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Marshawn Kneeland's former coach breaks down in tears in press conference hours after his suicide READ MORE: Jake Ferguson leads tributes to teammate Marshawn Kneeland By ISABEL BALDWIN, US ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Published: 21:26 GMT, 6 November 2025 | Updated: 21:29 GMT, 6 November 2025 Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver coach Robert Prince was wracked with grief as he addressed reporters following the death of Marshawn Kneeland. Kneeland, a defensive end with the Cowboys, died by apparent suicide at the age of 24 on Wednesday night. He was discovered dead by a self-inflicted gunshot wound after fleeing Texas State troopers when they attempted to stop him for a traffic violation. The defensive lineman, who was drafted by the Cowboys in the second-round of the 2024 NFL Draft, overlapped with Prince in Dallas for one season last year. Despite only a brief stint together and working on different sides of the ball, Prince, who now works on the Miami Dolphins staff, revealed that he struck up a close relationship with Kneeland. The coach came close to tears as he took time out of his press conference on Thursday to emotionally pay tribute to the late football player. 'I just want to give my condolences to Marshawn Kneeland's family,' Prince began before his voice broke with emotion and he bowed his head to collect himself. HEARTBREAKING: #Dolphins coach Robert Prince was emotional at his press conference today talking about the tragic loss of Marshawn Kneeland. Prince was a coach with the #Cowboys last season and had a close relationship with Kneeland. Hard to watch this.pic.twitter.com/WbT88PUuNZ — MLFootball (@MLFootball) November 6, 2025 Ex-Cowboys wide receiver coach Robert Prince emotionally opened up on Marshawn Kneeland Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland died at the age of 24 on Wednesday night '[He was a] Good kid. I have no idea what happened but, you know, my condolences.' Prince further lifted the lid on his relationship with Kneeland, who he said he grew close to while spending time in the weight room. 'We spent a lot of time when he was injured and working out in the weight room. We'd shoot the breeze. 'He was a Western Michigan kid, and I coached with the Lions for a while, so we had some Michigan stories.' Kneeland was in the midst of just his second season in the NFL when he died overnight. His family and 'shattered' agent, Jonathan Perzley, confirmed the 'tremendous loss.' Kneeland's heartbreaking death came just two days after he suited up for the Cowboys in their Monday Night Football matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. The defensive lineman, who was drafted by Dallas out of Western Michigan, achieved a major milestone during the clash, scoring his first professional touchdown when he scooped up a blocked punt in the end zone during the second quarter. The Dallas Cowboys honored Kneeland as a 'beloved teammate and member of our organization' in a statement shared on Thursday morning that read. Texas Department of Public Safety troopers attempted to stop Kneeland for a traffic violation on the Dallas North Tollway at around 10:30pm local time on Wednesday night, according to a statement shared by the DPS. Prince, pictured right in 2024, overlapped with Kneeland in Dallas for one season The 24-year-old football player is pictured with his girlfriend, Catalina Mancera However, he reportedly refused to pull over, sparking a subsequent car chase that resulted in the pursuing authorities losing sight of Kneeland's vehicle. Kneeland's vehicle was later discovered abandoned after it had crashed on Dallas Parkway. The DPS, alongside the Frisco Police Department, searched the immediate area, where the football player was found deceased. The defensive lineman's distraught girlfriend had also sounded the alarm to the police after she received a concerning text message from the NFL star, saying that he would 'end it all.' In devastating 911 audio obtained by TMZ , dispatchers could be heard relaying information from Kneeland's girlfriend, who reportedly said that he had a history of mental illness and that he was armed. The dispatch also stated that the NFL had contacted the Plano Police Department saying that the family of one of its players was concerned for his welfare. 'The subject is texting his family goodbye,' the operator said. The Frisco Police Department is continuing to investigate Kneeland's death. Kneeland's family released an emotional statement following the news of his passing, remembering him as a 'devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend.' 'We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief,' they said. '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. His girlfriend sounded the alarm to the police after she received a concerning text message Kneeland's mother, Wendy (left), unexpectedly passed away in February 2024 aged just 45 '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. '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.' Kneeland was drafted by the Cowboys out of Western Michigan last year. In nearly two seasons in the NFL, he played in 18 games for Dallas, four of which came as starts. He recorded 26 tackles and one sack. He set records for tackles, sacks and tackles for loss at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, before attending Western Michigan. In 38 games throughout his collegiate career, Kneeland registered 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles and three pass deflections. He also earned a second-team All-Mid-American Conference nod in 2023 after he finished the year with 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss in nine games. Share or comment on this article: Marshawn Kneeland's former coach breaks down in tears in press conference hours after his suicide Add comment
