Copyright phillyvoice
Marshawn Kneeland was a tenacious small-college edge rusher who beat the odds to become a 2024 second-round pick for one of the NFL's signature franchises. Early Thursday morning, the young, promising pass rusher for the Dallas Cowboys died. He was 24 years old. According to a release from Frisco, Texas, police, Kneeland died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase that included Kneeland crashing his vehicle and officers being informed that Kneeland "had expressed suicidal ideations." The eluding of police troopers began around 10:39 p.m. Wednesday night and continued into the Dallas suburb of Frisco, according to the statement. The chase ended with police finding Kneeland dead at 1:31 a.m. No more details were provided, and the cause of death will be determined upon an examination. Here is the full statement from the Frisco Police Department, per NFL Network: Kneeland, a native of Grand Rapids, Mich., was in his second season with Dallas after being selected 56th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He played 11 games as a rookie, starting one, and had played in each of the Cowboys' first seven games this year, recording 12 tackles, one sack, and one quarterback hit while playing 35 percent of the defensive snaps. In a statement, the Cowboys described Kneeland as a "beloved teammate and member of our organization" and sent thoughts and prayers to his family and Kneeland's girlfriend, Catalina. The NFL also released a statement, saying the league "has been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources." Kneeland belonged to a rotation of young Cowboys edge rushers that prompted owner/general manager Jerry Jones to trade star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers just before the start of the season in exchange for draft picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. On Monday night, Kneeland jumped on a block punt in the end zone for his first career NFL touchdown – a signature moment for him despite the Cowboys losing, 27-17, to Arizona. Kneeland's agent, Jon Perzley, released a statement that said his "heart aches for his family, his teammates, and everyone who loved him..." and asked that the public give Kneeland's family and loved ones "they privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss." The Cowboys are on their bye week and won't play again until Monday, Nov. 17, against the Raiders in Las Vegas. SIGN UP HERE to receive PhillyVoice's Sports newsletters. Follow Geoff on Twitter/X: @geoffpmosher
