In a devastating turn of events, the cause of death for Marshawn Kneeland has been confirmed as a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police-involved incident in Frisco, Texas. The 24-year-old defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys was found dead in the early hours of November 6, 2025, after fleeing a traffic stop and vehicle crash the night before.
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Incident and timeline details
- On the evening of November 5, state troopers attempted to pull Kneeland’s vehicle over for a traffic violation near Frisco, but the car evaded them.
- The vehicle was later found crashed, abandoned on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. Kneeland had fled the scene on foot.
- Authorities received tips that Kneeland was armed, in a mental-health crisis, and had sent goodbye messages to family members.
- At approximately 1:31 a.m. on November 6, officers found Kneeland deceased with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The death is being treated as an apparent suicide and the formal ruling is pending from the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Context surrounding the tragedy
Kneeland was in his second season with the Dallas Cowboys after being selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Days before his death, he achieved his first NFL touchdown, recovering a blocked punt on Monday Night Football. He had also been open about carrying emotional burdens, including the passing of his mother in 2024 and pressures associated with life in the league. At the time of his death he was 24 years old.
Cause of death: confirmed facts
- The cause of death: self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- The death occurred after a police pursuit and crash, with Kneeland abandoning his vehicle and fleeing on foot.
- He reportedly had expressed suicidal ideation, and issued farewell texts to family and close contacts.
- The incident is under investigation, though all current evidence points to suicide rather than foul play.
Implications and response
The news of Kneeland’s cause of death has triggered a wider conversation about mental health in professional sports. The Cowboys organization issued statements of grief, and the NFL community has mourned the loss of a young athlete whose career was just taking off. Teammates and commentators alike have highlighted the need for better mental-health resources for players. The timing—just after his first big NFL moment—adds a tragic dimension to the story and underscores that success on the field doesn’t guarantee personal peace off it.
What this means for fans and the community
For many, the confirmation of Marshawn Kneeland’s cause of death brings closure — yet it also leaves questions about how such situations can be prevented. His story now stands as a powerful reminder: mental health struggles can affect anyone, even rising stars in the NFL. As the investigation concludes and memorials unfold, fans, teammates, and the sport as a whole are left reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of reaching out when someone seems in crisis.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please call or text 988 (U.S.). You are not alone.
Thank you for reading. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for any further updates regarding Marshawn Kneeland’s cause of death.