Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland, 24, was found dead in Frisco, Texas, in the early morning hours of November 6, 2025, from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Frisco Police Department. The death occurred following a police pursuit sparked by a traffic violation on the Dallas North Tollway. Kneeland, who fled on foot after his vehicle crashed, was located three hours later. The athlete’s girlfriend alerted authorities about worrying messages he sent.
Plano police conducted a welfare check at Kneeland’s residence but found no one there. The case is under investigation by the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the official cause of death.
- Kneeland was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
- He scored his first NFL touchdown days earlier against the Arizona Cardinals.
- The Dallas Cowboys issued a note of condolence, highlighting the player’s impact on the team.
The team and the NFL offered psychological support to players and families.
Police chase details
The chase began at 10:33 pm on November 5, when Kneeland failed to stop for a traffic violation. After losing sight of the vehicle, officers located the crashed car on Dallas Parkway. Kneeland was found dead at 1:31 a.m., near the scene of the accident.
Contexto da tragédia
A namorada de Kneeland informou à polícia que ele enviou mensagens de despedida à família. Ela relatou que o jogador possuía histórico de problemas de saúde mental. A polícia de Plano tentou contato na residência do atleta às 23h40, sem sucesso. O caso mobilizou drones e unidades K-9 na busca pelo jogador.
Carreira de Kneeland
Marshawn Kneeland, natural de Michigan, destacou-se na Western Michigan University. Draftado em 2024, ele participou de 18 jogos na NFL, com 26 tackles e um sack. Na temporada 2025, atuou em sete jogos, iniciando três como titular.
Reações do time e da liga
O Dallas Cowboys expressou profunda tristezafor the player’s loss. The NFL offered counseling resources to those involved. Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor highlighted Kneeland’s leadership. The player’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, mourned his death in an official statement.
Mental health support
The tragedy reinforces the importance of resources for mental health in sport. Organizations like the NFL Players Association have emphasized the need for athlete support. For those facing crises, the 988 line offers 24-hour support in the USA.
