Warning: This story covers themes of suicide and depression which some may find distressing.
The Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died by suicide at the age of 24, the team announced on Thursday morning.
Kneeland, 24, was a second round draft pick out of Western Michigan in the 2024 NFL draft and scored his first NFL touchdown Monday Night.
Texas officals said Kneeland was found dead in the early hours of Thursday morning after “expressing suicidal intentions” following a vehicle pursuit in the city of Frisco Wednesday evening.
“Initial reports indicated that a male subject, later identified as 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland of Plano, TX fled the scene on foot. Officers established a perimeter and initiated a search of the area with the assistance of the FPD K-9 and Drone units.”
His agent, Jonathan Perzley, paid tribute to his client. “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,” Perzley wrote in a statement.
“His impact on those around him was immeasurable, and his loss is felt profoundly across our community. We’re working to ensure that players have the support they need and our condolences are with Marshawn’s family and loved ones.”
