Cowboys player, Marshawn Kneeland, found dead after police chase

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was found dead of an apparent suicide after evading police

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has been reported dead after a terrifying sequence that ended with the 24-year-old found of an apparent suicide following a police pursuit. Authorities said officers chased a vehicle after a traffic stop and lost sight of it before locating the car crashed minutes later. Kneeland fled the scene on foot and, according to dispatch recordings, friends and family had received worrying messages that suggested he might harm himself.

Police sources said officers made repeated attempts to contact Kneeland by phone and text. A drone was deployed during the search. Three hours after the crash the Dallas area law enforcement located Kneeland and he was found to have sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The police have described the death as an apparent suicide and are continuing routine inquiries into the events that preceded the incident.

Kneeland was drafted in the second round in 2024 after a standout collegiate career at Western Michigan. He had shown promise in the NFL and only days earlier had recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown in a game against the Arizona Cardinals. Teams, coaches and fans celebrated that play on social media even as the news cycle moved quickly to the tragedy that followed.

Statements from Kneeland’s agent and former coaches conveyed shock and grief. His agent said he was “shattered” and asked for privacy for family and friends. Western Michigan’s head coach described Kneeland as a leader whose energy and smile left a lasting mark on teammates. The Dallas Cowboys issued a brief statement saying they were deeply saddened and offering condolences to his girlfriend and family.

Online reaction was immediate and visceral. Fans poured messages of mourning across platforms and sports figures used their accounts to urge awareness of mental health. Several teammates referenced their own experiences or those of family members and called for people to check in on friends. At the same time some corners of social media descended into speculation about the chase and the circumstances, prompting reminders from commentators and mental health advocates to avoid rumour and to prioritise verified information.

The NFL and player welfare organisations reiterated resources for anyone in distress, emphasising that help is available and that reaching out can save lives. Investigators continue to examine the crash, the search efforts and any recordings and messages that might clarify Kneeland’s final hours. For now the football world is in mourning and grappling with the fragility of life behind the headlines of sport.