Marshawn Kneeland, a Dallas Cowboys defensive end, has died following a fatal Frisco car crash, authorities confirmed.
The fatal Frisco car crash death of Marshawn Kneeland occurred after a pursuit initiated by Texas troopers.
Officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that officers attempted a traffic stop around 10:33 p.m. on November 5th on a vehicle traveling in the southbound direction of the Dallas North Tollway, near the Keller Springs Boulevard exit.
When the driver declined to pull over, state troopers pursued the vehicle until they ultimately lost sight of it.
Subsequently, officials stated that the vehicle crashed and was found abandoned in the southbound lanes of the Dallas Parkway, close to the Warren Parkway area.
Aerial support from DPS, coupled with ground searches involving state troopers and the Frisco Police Department, led to the discovery of the driver, identified as Kneeland, who had succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Texas Department of Public Safety announced that their investigation into Kneeland’s death is currently underway.
Plano police provided additional information in a statement, noting they responded to a welfare check request at an address linked to Kneeland just before midnight on November 5th. However, no one was located during their preliminary assessment.
The Dallas Cowboys organization expressed their sorrow through a statement released on Thursday, honoring Kneeland as a “cherished teammate and member of our group.”
In their announcement, the team conveyed, “We are profoundly saddened to share the tragic passing of Marshawn Kneeland today. Marshawn was a cherished teammate and part of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are directed towards his girlfriend Catalina and his family during this difficult time.”
Kneeland was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, having played college football at Western Michigan University.
The National Football League issued a statement expressing their condolences, noting they had communicated with the Cowboys and offered available resources and support.
The league’s statement read, “We are heartbroken by the tragic news of the passing of our Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland. Our thoughts and prayers extend to his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends, and teammates. We have been in touch with the Cowboys and are providing support and counseling assistance.”
Kneeland’s representative, whose statement was shared by NFL reporter Ian Rapoport, requested confidentiality.
The statement expressed, “Marshawn dedicated his entire being to every play, every practice, and every moment on the field. Losing someone with his talent, spirit, and character is a loss I find hard to articulate. My heart goes out to his family, teammates, and everyone who cared for him, and I hope the entire football community offers support during this incredibly painful time. I kindly request that you provide his loved ones with the privacy and understanding they need as they process this devastating loss.”
The NFL Players Association also issued a statement via Schefter, stating they are “dedicated to making sure players receive the support they need, and our sympathies are with Marshawn’s family and friends.”
Kneeland’s death took place only a few days after he achieved a touchdown by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone during the Cowboys’ 27-17 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday evening, as reported by the Associated Press. He participated in seven of the nine games this season.
