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Police Announce Cause Of Death For Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland
© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Police Announce Cause Of Death For Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland

Originally posted on The Spun  |  By Chris Rosvoglou  |  Last updated Nov 6, 2025 11:59 AM ET

The Dallas Cowboys announced Thursday that defensive end Marshawn Kneeland passed away. Details regarding his death were just released by the Frisco Police Department.

Freeland, the 56th overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, appeared in 18 games for the Cowboys. Earlier this week, he recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown on “Monday Night Football" against the Arizona Cardinals.

It was sadly revealed that Freeland was found dead Thursday morning with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was just 24 years old.

"A man was found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following an outside agency vehicle pursuit that led to a multi-agency search in Frisco," the media release said. "On November 5, 2026, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the Frisco Police Department responded to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety, with locating a vehicle that had evaded troopers during a pursuit that entered the city of Frisco. After losing visual of the vehicle, troopers located it minutes later, crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. Initial reporters indicated that a male subject, identified as 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland of Plano, TX fled the scene on foot."

Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) celebrates with defensive end Sam Williams (54) after recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Frisco Police added, "During the course of the search, officers received information that Kneeland had expressed suicidal intentions. Kneeland was later located at 1:31 a.m. deceased with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound."

The official cause of death will be determined by the Collin County Medical Examiner's Office.

NFL community heartbroken.

Kneeland's agent, Jonathan Perzley, released a statement after the initial news broke Thursday morning.

"I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night," Perzley said in a statement. "I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words. My heart aches for his family, his teammates and everyone who loved him, and I hope they feel the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time. I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss."

Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas revealed he was sick to his stomach after learning about Kneeland's death.

We're keeping Kneeland's loved ones in our thoughts.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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