Content warning: This story contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide and needs support now, call or text 988 or chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.

The Dallas Cowboys announced the death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland on Thursday. He was 24.

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Kneeland, whom the team selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, was in the midst of his second season with the Cowboys. After appearing in 11 games as a rookie, Kneeland became a more prominent member of the team’s defense in his second season, playing in seven of the team’s nine games this year. Kneeland recorded his first NFL sack and touchdown in 2025.

Frisco police released a statement Thursday, saying they were investigating the situation as a “possible suicide” and believe Kneeland died “from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.”

Police said they were called to locate a vehicle that evaded police after a pursuit. They located the vehicle, which was crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.

Officers were reportedly also called to perform a welfare check at Kneeland’s apartment earlier in the evening. They did not make contact with Kneeland at the apartment, as the pursuit of the car was already in progress, a police spokesperson told NFL Network.

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Officers said Kneeland fled the scene on foot. As police were searching for Kneeland, they were informed he had “expressed suicidal ideations,” per the release. Officers found Kneeland at 1:31 a.m. “deceased with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.” Kneeland’s official cause of death will be determined by the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The police investigation remains ongoing.

Following his death, many around the league paid tribute to Kneeland on social media. That included his most prominent teammate, Dak Prescott, who spoke Thursday night about his teammate’s death.

“I hurt. Heavy, heavy heart today,” Prescott told CBS News Texas at his high school alma mater Haughton High (La.) after a field dedication ceremony in his honor. “I hurt for Marshawn, I hurt for his family, I hurt for his girlfriend and I hurt for every single one of my teammates. This is a pain you don’t wish upon anybody.”

In their initial statement, the Cowboys sent thoughts and prayers to Kneeland’s girlfriend and family.

“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. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”

The Cowboys, who are on a bye this week, also posted their statement on a video board at their headquarters in Frisco.

The NFL offered a similar statement, also noting that “counseling resources” are available for Cowboys staff and players.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of the Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland. 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 NFLPA said Kneeland’s death is “felt profoundly across our community.”

Kneeland’s agent, Jon Perzley, said it was hard to put the loss into words.

“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night. 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. 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.”

Cowboys former defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who coached Kneeland in 2024, said the defensive end “wanted to be great.”

Star defensive end Micah Parsons, who was traded from the Cowboys to the Green Bay Packers in August, paid tribute to Kneeland on Instagram, posting an image of Kneeland featuring the text “I’m sorry little brother I hope you find peace.” Linebacker Kenneth Murray and running back Phil Mafah sent out similar posts in honor of Kneeland.

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Others around the league, including Cowboys defensive back Juanyeh Thomas, former wideout Dez Bryant and Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, paid tribute to Kneeland following his death.