Former WMU star, Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland, 24, found dead after evading officers, police say

FRISCO, Texas – Police in suburban Dallas say 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys defenseman Marshawn Kneeland was discovered lifeless of an obvious suicide after eluding authorities in his car and fleeing the scene of an accident on foot.

Frisco police stated Thursday they’re investigating the attainable suicide. They stated Kneeland did not cease for Texas Division of Public Security troopers for a site visitors violation throughout a chase involving Frisco police Wednesday night.

Editor’s notice: This story comprises a dialogue of suicide. Should you or somebody you realize wants assist, you’ll be able to attain the US Nationwide Suicide and Disaster Hotline by calling or texting 988. There’s additionally a web based chat on it 988lifeline.org. Helplines exterior the US will be discovered at www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts.

Authorities overlooked the car earlier than finding it a number of minutes later. In the course of the search after Kneeland fled the crash web site on foot, officers stated they obtained phrase that Kneeland could have been suicidal.

He was discovered lifeless of an obvious self-inflicted gunshot wound early Thursday morning, about three hours after the crash. Police haven’t stated the place Kneeland’s physique was discovered.

Kneeland’s dying got here simply days after he recovered a blocked punt in the long run zone in a 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys. He was a 2024 second-round draft pick of Western Michigan.

“I’m shocked to substantiate that my consumer and pricey pal Marshawn Kneeland handed away final night time,” Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, stated in an announcement requesting privateness. “Marshawn poured his coronary heart into each transfer, each observe and each second on the sphere. Dropping somebody together with his expertise, spirit and goodness is a ache I can barely put into phrases.”

Kneeland’s rookie season in 2024 obtained off to a promising begin earlier than he was sidelined for 5 video games with a knee damage.

He picked up his first profession sack on this season’s opener towards the Philadelphia Eagles. He performed seven video games this season, lacking two as a consequence of an ankle damage.

“Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our group,” the Cowboys stated. “Our ideas and prayers concerning Marshawn are together with his girlfriend Catalina and his household.”

The Cowboys have steadily sought move rushers and different defensive linemen within the first two rounds of the draft. Kneeland was drafted a 12 months after their second-round choose towards Sam Williams. Williams blocked the punt that Kneeland recovered towards the Cardinals.

Kneeland’s mom, Wendy Kneeland, died whereas he was getting ready for the draft. In keeping with The Dallas Morning Information, he had his mom’s ashes in a necklace he wore after becoming a member of the Cowboys.

“We’re deeply saddened by the tragic information of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the NFL stated. “We’ve got been in touch with the Cowboys and have supplied help and recommendation.”

Miami Dolphins receivers coach Robert Prince, who held the identical place with the Cowboys final 12 months when Kneeland was a rookie, had tears in his eyes Thursday as he met with reporters.

“We spent numerous time (collectively) when he obtained injured and figuring out within the weight room,” Prince stated. “We might have the wind in our sails. He was a man from Western Michigan and I coached with the Lions for some time, so we had some Michigan-type tales. Good child. Sorry to listen to that about him.”

Kneeland had a career-high 57 tackles together with 4½ sacks in 9 video games as a senior at Western Michigan.

“My coronary heart is totally damaged by the lack of Marshawn Kneeland,” Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor stated. “His management, power and smile had been infectious and he left an enduring impression on everybody in our program. After teaching him throughout my first season right here, we developed a particular bond that went far past simply soccer.”