Dallas Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland Passes Away at 24 — Details

The football community is mourning the loss of a 24-year-old athlete who died just days after scoring his first touchdown in a game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Tragedy has rocked the Dallas Cowboys, as defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was found dead early Wednesday, November 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. Authorities have pieced together the events that led to his death.

News of his death sent shockwaves through the Cowboys organization. The team issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss, extending heartfelt condolences to his girlfriend, Catalina, his family, and his teammates. Kneeland was described as a respected and valued member of the organization.

The Fatal Night at Frisco

According to Frisco police, the incident began on the night of November 5, when the Texas Department of Public Safety attempted to stop a vehicle that fled during a traffic pursuit.

The chase entered Frisco city limits at approximately 10:39 p.m. before the vehicle — later confirmed to be Kneeland's — crashed along southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.

Kneeland fled on foot. A multi-agency search was launched, with K-9 and drone units deployed. During the search, officers received word that Kneeland had reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts.

At approximately 1:31 a.m., Kneeland was found with a fatal gunshot wound, believed by investigators to be self-inflicted. The Collin County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the official cause and manner of death. The investigation remains open, with no additional details released.

A Promising NFL Future Cut Short

Two days prior, Kneeland recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown in a game against the Arizona Cardinals. One fan page of the Dallas Cowboys shared a video of the play on their Instagram account, marking a standout moment in what was the early stage of his professional career.

Following the heartbreaking news of his death, his agent, Jonathan Perzley of Sportstars, Inc., issued a public statement on Instagram. He reflected on Kneeland's journey from a determined college athlete at Western Michigan University (WMU) to a respected player in the National Football League (NFL), highlighting his work ethic, character, and impact on those around him.

Perzley also asked for privacy for Kneeland’s family, teammates, and loved ones as they cope with the devastating loss.

The news also drew responses from WMU, where Kneeland played from 2019 to 2023. The athletic department described him as a key figure in the football program and a valued member of the campus community.

Kneeland earned a degree in Sports Management and was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, following a strong final season and an appearance in the Reese's Senior Bowl.

Head coach Lance Taylor, who led the Broncos during Kneeland's senior year, said the defensive end made a lasting impression in a short time. He said:

"Marshawn was so much more than an incredible football player—he was a remarkable young man who meant so much to our program and to me personally. His leadership, energy, and smile were infectious, and he left a lasting impact on everyone in our program."

Vice President and Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae noted that while Kneeland's football ability helped him reach the NFL, it was his presence off the field — his respectful nature, enthusiasm, and relationships within the team — that defined his impact at Western Michigan.

A Legacy of Discipline and Determination

Former defensive line coach David Denham also reflected on Kneeland's early development, pointing to his discipline and self-motivation. In a May 2024 Dallas Cowboys interview, he explained:

"Marshawn really separated himself by – and this was all due to the fact that he saw the elder statesmen in the room doing this – being in the facility at 6 a.m. doing prehab, not rehab, where he would get his body loose, stretch and actively ready to go."

Denham recalled that Kneeland regularly put in extra work outside the team's scheduled practices. After finishing his afternoon classes, he would return to the facility to review film, ask detailed questions, and focus on improving his performance.

To support his development, Denham gave him targeted assignments — such as analyzing second-and-medium situations — which Kneeland completed with focus and precision. Over time, his routine of walking through plays alone on the field and applying what he had studied began to set him apart from others on the roster.

Denham added that this dedication reflected habits Kneeland had observed in veteran players like Braden Fiske, whose methodical approach to preparation he naturally adopted.

Before joining WMU, Kneeland starred at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, earning First Team All-State honors as a senior.

Kneeland's death is the latest in a series of tragedies that have shaken the NFL community in recent weeks.

Among them was former NFL running back Doug Martin, who died at the age of 36 on Saturday, October 18, marking a heartbreaking end to the life of a player once regarded among the league's brightest talents.

A Family's Grief

The former Pro Bowler's demise was confirmed by his family in a statement, where they expressed their grief, "It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning. Cause of death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy at this time."

While the family did not speak of the details surrounding his death, insiders later confirmed that Martin died in Oakland after suffering a medical emergency while in police custody.

A Mysterious Scene

According to the Oakland Police Department, officers responded around 4:15 a.m. on Saturday to a residence on the 11000 block of Ettrick Street following reports of a possible break-in.

Around the same time, dispatchers also received calls about a person experiencing a medical emergency at the same address. When officers arrived, they found Martin inside the home. Authorities said he briefly resisted as they attempted to detain him, but he was soon taken into custody.

Moments later, in the back of the police car, he became unresponsive. Paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police have not clarified why Martin was being detained or what led to the medical emergency.

A Cloud of Questions Surrounds His Final Moments

The department stated that multiple agencies, including its Homicide Section, Internal Affairs Bureau, the Oakland Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency, and the Alameda County District Attorney's Office, will review the circumstances surrounding his death.

The officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. An autopsy will also be conducted to determine Martin's exact cause of death. This will include whether it was solely the result of a medical emergency or a combination of that condition and the brief struggle with police during his arrest.

From College Hero to NFL Legend

Martin's passing has left former teammates, fans, and the wider football community in shock. He rose to prominence at Boise State, where he starred for four years before being drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Over six seasons in Tampa Bay, he became a fan favorite, earning two Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro honor.

Known for his speed and strength, Martin rushed for more than 5,300 yards and scored 30 touchdowns in his NFL career. He later concluded his professional run with the then–Oakland Raiders in 2018.

Before Martin, the NFL community also lost another former star.

Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson was confirmed dead at just 45 years old, his family revealed in a staggering and emotional announcement. According to the family source who spoke exclusively to TMZ Sports, Johnson died on Tuesday, September 23.

From Gridiron Glory to a Life of Quiet Service

Johnson's football story began in Chesterfield County, Virginia, where he started playing at the age of six with the Ettrick Trojans of the Chesterfield Quarterback League. A graduate of Thomas Dale High School, he later starred at Butler Community College before transferring to Auburn University.

The deceased Ettrick Trojan alum's meteoric rise began at the university, where his explosive performance earned him SEC Player of the Year honors, paving the way for a promising NFL career.

Drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft, the former league star quickly transformed from an under-the-radar pick to a household name in Cincinnati.

After two slower seasons, Johnson erupted in his third year, rushing for 957 yards and nine touchdowns. He concluded his NFL journey with a final season at the Detroit Lions in 2008, leaving behind a career marked by memorable plays and unrelenting tenacity.

'A Dear Friend' Gone Too Soon

The heartbreak didn't stop at the field. On the day Johnson died, Bengals President Mike Brown paid a moving tribute to him, remembering not just the player he was, but the man behind the jersey.

Brown said, "Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us. He was dependable and productive as a player, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing."

A Life of Giving amid Hidden Pain

Though fans may remember his bulldozing runs and record-setting yardage, those closest to him say it was his devotion to helping others that truly defined his life.

Johnson launched a foundation aimed at supporting children and families, a mission he carried out quietly, even as he privately grappled with mental health challenges and the suspected effects of CTE, according to the family source.

At first, the cause of death was not confirmed. But in an update, police disclosed that the former football player died by suicide in Florida shortly after midnight the day he died.

His Last Public Words

Meanwhile, just four days before his death, the deceased football star appeared in a recorded video played at the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 ceremony, held on September 19, 2025. During the event, he was honored for his contributions to the game and his community.

In the recorded message, the ex-NFL star shared an emotional reflection on his journey in football. His message to the next generation read, "I just want to say dream big, shoot for the stars, stay focused, never give up. And one more thing to all the kids from Chesterfield County, I'll be watching for the next star to be born."

In the video, the ex-Cincinnati star also expressed gratitude to his teammates and coaches who guided him. Despite the hidden battles, his heart remained with the community. He kept giving, kept trying, until the very end.

As the NFL community mourns his loss, Johnson's story now stands as both a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and a testament to the power of resilience, generosity, and heart.

His runs electrified stadiums, his foundation lifted families, and his presence left teammates with memories of loyalty and friendship. Though gone too soon, Johnson's impact will live on — in records, in lives touched, and in the spirit of a player who gave everything he had, on and off the field.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.