Twenty-four year old Marshawn Kneeland died early Thursday morning. The former second round pick was a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys drafted Marshawn Kneeland 56th overall from Western Michigan University. In his limited time in the NFL, Kneeland played in eighteen games, recorded twenty-six tackles, one sack, and recovered a blocked punt for his first NFL touchdown just days prior to his death.
On the evening of November 5, 2025, police attempted to pull Kneeland’s car over due to a traffic violation while traveling in the northbound direction of the Dallas North Tollway. Police stated that Kneeland did not stop for them, prompting a police chase. Kneeland’s vehicle was located but crashed and abandoned. Dispatch records showed that individuals close to Kneeland received a group text message where Kneeland appeared to be saying goodbye. At around 1:30 am, Kneeland was found dead of what authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The case is being treated as a suicide, pending further investigation. What makes Kneeland’s death especially sad is that he had experienced a major milestone in his life just days earlier. On Monday Night Football, Kneeland recovered a blocked punt and scored his first NFL touchdown. To many fans, this game seemed to represent a new level in Kneeland’s professional football career, but, as evidenced by the internal struggles Kneeland faced, there was a lot going on beneath that surface of achievement.
The Dallas Cowboys organization issued a press release stating: “It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization.” The team’s owner, Jerry Jones, has also stated that the Dallas Cowboys will be providing full financial and emotional support for Marshawn Kneeland’s family.
Though Marshawn Kneeland was struggling with his mental health, he left an impression through his passion, athletic ability and his potential. He leaves behind a family, friends, teammates, and fans who will remember the energy and drive he showed on the football field and the heart he showed off of it. His legacy will inspire discussion about not only mental health for athletes, but also mental health awareness in general and the power of compassion and the overall well-being of every athlete and person. His untimely passing is a stinging reminder of the delicate nature of human existence and the weight of unspoken challenges that some people bear.
