Marshawn Kneeland death: Cause revealed behind Dallas Cowboys DE's stunning passing

On Thursday morning, the Dallas Cowboys announced the death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland. He was 24 years old. Since the initial announcement, further details about Kneeland’s passing have gradually emerged, including his cause of death.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram‘s Nick Harris first reported police officers responded to “a welfare concern” at Marshawn Kneeland’s residence at 11:40 p.m. CT on Wednesday night. However, they did not make contact with anyone at the residence.

Later on Thursday, Harris revealed Kneeland’s death was caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Texas Department of Public Safety released a statement on Kneeland’s cause of death.

“Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on the northbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Blvd,” the statement read. “The driver refused to stop, resulting in a pursuit with DPS Troopers. However, DPS Troopers lost sight of the vehicle, and the pursuit was terminated.

“The vehicle was later located abandoned and had been involved in a crash on the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. DPS Aircraft and Troopers, along with the Frisco Police Department, searched the immediate area and found the driver, 24 YOA, Marshawn Kneeland, of Plano, deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”

TMZ separately reported it had obtained dispatch audio from the Plano Police Department. Kneeland had reportedly messaged his girlfriend a goodbye message, leading to a search for the DE. Kneeland’s girlfriend also reportedly said Kneeland was armed. Per TMZ, she was quoted as saying he “would end it all.”

The NFL also allegedly reached out to the Plano PD, requesting their help in checking on Kneeland, who was “texting his family goodbye.” TMZ wrote the Plano PD used dogs, drones and other extensive measures in its search for Kneeland. The Frisco Police Department confirmed TMZ’s reporting with a statement addressing its aid in the search for Kneeland.

“On November 5, 2025, at approximately 10:39 p.m., the Frisco Police Department responded to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) with locating a vehicle that had evaded troopers during a pursuit that entered the city of Frisco,” the statement read. “After losing visual of the vehicle, troopers located it minutes later, crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.

“Initial reports indicated that a male subject, later identified as 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland of Plano, TX fled the scene on foot. Officers established a perimeter and initiated a search of the area with the assistance of the FPD K-9 and Drone units.”

Kneeland was only in his second season in the NFL. The Cowboys selected Kneeland with the No. 56 overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. In his debut campaign in the NFL, Kneeland made 11 appearances and one start. He recorded 14 tackles, a pass deflection and a fumble recovery.

Kneeland had stepped into a larger role for the Cowboys this season. Despite missing two games due to injury, Kneeland had already made three starts.

In total, he recorded 15 tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss and six quarterback hurries in his seven appearances this season. Kneeland scored the Cowboys’ first touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone. The Cowboys went on to lose the game, 27-17.