⚠️ Warning: This article discusses suicide, which some readers may find distressing. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available — details are provided at the end of this article.
The sports world is reeling in shock and sorrow following the tragic death of Marshawn Kneeland — a rising Dallas Cowboys defensive end whose promising NFL career was only just beginning. At just 24 years old, Kneeland’s sudden passing has devastated fans, teammates, and loved ones alike, and new details have now emerged about his final moments, including the heartbreaking text message he sent to his family before his death.
On Thursday, November 6, the Dallas Cowboys confirmed the passing of their young player in a public statement that spoke to the magnitude of the loss both on and off the field.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team wrote. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Just days earlier, Kneeland had celebrated one of the biggest moments of his career — scoring his first NFL touchdown during a standout performance against the Arizona Cardinals. That milestone, once seen as the start of a bright future, now marks one of the last joyful moments in his short life.
“We Are Devastated”: Family Statement Reflects Unimaginable Grief
Following the team’s announcement, the Kneeland family released their own heartfelt statement, describing the depth of their pain and their love for the young athlete whose presence lit up every room he entered.
“As Marshawn was making his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field — as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend,” they said. “He was kind, determined, humble, and full of love. His light shone brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired.”
They continued: “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, fans, and the community. During this difficult time, we ask for privacy as we come together as a family to honor and remember Marshawn’s life and legacy.”
For those who knew him best, Kneeland was more than an athlete — he was a deeply loyal friend and family man, someone who carried himself with quiet strength, compassion, and humility. His death has prompted an outpouring of emotion across social media, where tributes from fans, teammates, and coaches continue to flood in.
The Final Text Message
According to police dispatch audio obtained by PEOPLE, Marshawn Kneeland’s final communication with his loved ones was a text message sent shortly before his death — one that would later haunt those who cared about him most.
Authorities can be heard saying in the dispatch:
“They just received a text from him, a group text from him saying goodbye. They’re concerned for his welfare.”
Moments later, officers discussed the distressing call they had received from Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina, who told them she was desperately trying to reach his agent, Jonathan Perzley, fearing that Marshawn was in danger.
“She’s trying to call his agent,” one dispatcher said. “So we’re trying to get him to call her to call him first, but she’s saying he is armed and has a history of mental illness and her quote was, ‘He will end it all.’”
The tragic series of events that followed would confirm her worst fears.
What Happened in the Hours Before His Death
The Frisco Police Department later confirmed that Marshawn Kneeland’s death appeared to be the result of suicide. In a statement, they explained that an earlier incident had occurred just hours before his death — involving what they described as “an outside agency vehicle pursuit that led to a multi-agency search in Frisco.”
According to the department, Kneeland’s vehicle had crashed during the pursuit, after which he fled the scene on foot. A large search operation was launched, and tragically, officers found his body near his vehicle around 1:31 a.m.
Police said that Kneeland was discovered with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will officially determine the cause and manner of death, though authorities have indicated that the evidence points to suicide.
The heartbreaking details have left those who followed his career stunned. Only days before, Kneeland had been smiling on the field, celebrating a moment that most players dream of — his first touchdown in the NFL.
A Rising Star Gone Too Soon
Born in Michigan, Marshawn Kneeland’s path to the NFL was one of perseverance, hard work, and quiet confidence. After an impressive college career at Western Michigan University, he was drafted 56th overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
During his rookie year, he played in 11 games, earning the respect of coaches and veterans alike for his discipline and tenacity. He started the 2025 season strong, making seven appearances and showing consistent improvement on the defensive line.
Teammates have described him as “the kind of guy everyone loved to be around” — humble, driven, and always willing to put in the extra work. Even during tough times, Kneeland carried himself with professionalism and grace, often serving as a quiet motivator for younger players.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy reportedly told staff in a closed meeting that Kneeland had “a rare kind of energy” and that “his smile and work ethic made the locker room a better place every single day.”
Signs of Inner Struggle
While Kneeland’s professional achievements were becoming increasingly visible, those closest to him say he had been struggling privately. In social media posts earlier this year, fans noticed occasional references to introspection and the fast pace of life.
In May 2024, he responded to a tweet from his former defensive coach, writing, “Enjoy this. It goes by fast,” with a prayer emoji. At the time, it seemed like a nostalgic reflection — but in hindsight, some have interpreted it as a subtle sign of emotional exhaustion.
His girlfriend Catalina, who had been by his side throughout his rise in the NFL, reportedly expressed concern in the days before his death. The details remain unclear, but sources close to the family told PEOPLE that Kneeland had been “under a lot of pressure” as he adjusted to life in the league — pressure that may have compounded existing mental health struggles.
Outpouring of Support
Since news of his passing broke, the Dallas Cowboys and the wider NFL community have paid tribute to Kneeland’s life and career. Fellow Cowboys players shared messages of love and grief online, with one teammate writing, “You were more than a brother — you were the soul of the locker room. Rest easy, 94.”
Fans gathered outside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, leaving flowers, jerseys, and handwritten notes in memory of the young star. Across social media, hashtags like #RIPMarshawnKneeland and #CowboysFamily have trended as people share clips of his best plays, his interviews, and his infectious smile.
The NFL also released an official statement, expressing that the league was “deeply saddened by the loss of Marshawn Kneeland” and emphasizing the importance of supporting players’ mental health.
A Painful Reminder
Marshawn Kneeland’s death has renewed conversations about the mental health challenges faced by professional athletes. The pressures of fame, performance expectations, and constant public scrutiny can take a heavy toll, even on those who appear to have it all.
Experts and advocates have stressed that athletes, like anyone else, are vulnerable to depression and anxiety, and that open conversations about mental health are crucial. Kneeland’s passing serves as a stark reminder that success on the field does not always reflect peace of mind off it.
If You Need Help
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available right now.
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In the U.S., call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
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You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
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The National Suicide Prevention Helpline is available at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) — a free, confidential, 24/7 resource.
You are not alone. Support is out there, and reaching out can save a life.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
