Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died by apparent suicide, Frisco, Texas police confirmed in a press release. The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine his official cause of death.
Kneeland’s body was found at 1:31 a.m. local time on Thursday, November 6 after the second-year Cowboy attempted to evade troopers who tried to pull him over for a traffic violation. They found his car abandoned, having crashed on the Dallas Parkway, leading authorities to believe he had fled on foot.
They learned of his potential suicidal ideation while they were searching for him, through a 911 call from his girlfriend, Catalina, and another call from the NFL, expressing concern for one of its players’ safety.
“We’re talking to his girlfriend,” a 911 dispatcher said in audio obtained by TMZ Sports. “She’s trying to call his agent. We’re trying to get her to call him first.”
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The dispatcher added that Catalina indicated Kneeland had “a history of mental illness.”
As the search for Kneeland continued, police used K-9 and drone units for assistance. An officer could be heard on the dispatch audio saying, “Everybody stay with a buddy. Don’t go looking alone.”
Marshawn Kneeland Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
The Cowboys confirmed Kneeland’s death Thursday morning in a statement.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
The defensive end’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, also released a statement, saying he is “shattered” by the news.
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” Perzley said. “I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
Perzley continued, “My heart aches for his family, his teammates, and everyone who loved him, and I hope they feel the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time. I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss.”
Kneeland’s death came just days after the Cowboys lost to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football. He scored his first career touchdown in that game, recovering a blocked punt in the end zone during the 27-17 loss.
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“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the NFL said in a statement of its own. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources.”
The Cowboys are in the midst of their bye week and will return to action on November 17 on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders.
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