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Marshawn Kneelandwho appeared in 18 games with the Dallas Cowboys since being selected in the 2024 draft, died at age 24 from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, it was announced last week.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the Cowboys said in a statement. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
In the days since the tragic death, Kneeland’s former and current teammates have paid tribute to the late defensive end. Longtime Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones was among those who reflected on the heartbreaking loss.
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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones watches the playing of the national anthem at the opening ceremony of training camp at River Ridge Fields in Oxnard, California, on July 26, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Image Images)
Frisco police said Kneeland died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Jones said the news of the death underscores the goal of living “life to the fullest.”
“I think we all have unlimited feelings toward the people we love, the people we work with, and this is just a moment where you recognize that there are no answers,” Jones said Tuesday during his weekly appearance on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. “It makes you want to live life to the fullest.”
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Jones went on to express his gratitude for the NFL teams that honored Kneeland with a moment of silence during Week 10 games. He also stressed the importance of helping others.
“It makes you want to look for the best in what we have for each other. And to somehow make sense of these times in terms of what they can mean in helping those who are here on Earth right now. All of those things are very natural, they come to mind, but his death is such a matter of national consciousness that it takes on some of that light when we think about how to move forward.”
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) is on the field after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on August 16, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Image Images)
Authorities responded after a driver reportedly evaded police during a chase. Responding officers found a vehicle that had crashed near the southbound lanes of a local parkway.
Earlier in the day, officers reportedly arrived at Kneeland’s home for a welfare check. A police spokesperson told NFL Network that a vehicle pursuit was already underway when officers arrived at Kneeland’s apartment.
The investigation is ongoing.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) leaves the field after the game against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on September 15, 2024. (Tim Heitman/Image Images)
The Cowboys did not take the field last weekend due to a scheduled break. After learning of Kneeland’s death, the team met virtually. On Monday, the players returned to The Star, their home base in Frisco, to begin preparations for their Week 11 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Cowboys’ helmets will feature a special decal starting with Monday night’s game in Las Vegas and will continue to be displayed for the remainder of the 2024 season. During Weeks 11 and 12, Cowboys players will wear special jerseys in honor of their late teammate.
“From a team standpoint and getting back to work, I have no doubt they will do it in memory of what he is,” Jones added. “He was unique in his zest for life and he was unique in his passion for the game.”
The Cowboys’ first home game since losing Kneeland is scheduled for Nov. 23. The team plans to hold a moment of silence in honor of Kneeland.
Jones also noted that Kneeland, 24, was “just getting started.”
“Of course, the saddest thing for someone like me is the fact that he’s only 24 years old. You think all the time that we’re going to miss him and that the people around him are going to miss him. He was just getting started.”
The Cowboys selected Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He recorded the first sack of his professional football career in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
