Celebrity
Dallas Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland Dies At 24 — Team And Fans Devastated
Days after scoring his first touchdown in a game against the Arizona Cardinals, a 24-year-old athlete passed away, leaving the football community in sadness.
The Dallas Cowboys have been shaken by tragedy since defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was discovered dead in Frisco, Texas, early on Wednesday, November 6, 2025. The circumstances surrounding his death have been pieced together by authorities.
The Cowboys organization was rocked by the news of his passing. In a statement, the squad expressed their profound sadness at the loss and offered their sincere condolences to his teammates, family, and fiancée, Catalina. Kneeland was characterized as a treasured and esteemed member of the group.
The Fatal Night at Frisco
The Texas Department of Public Safety tried to stop a car that ran away after a traffic chase on the evening of November 5, according to Frisco police.
The car, eventually identified as Kneeland’s, crashed along southbound Dallas Parkway close to Warren Parkway after the pursuit entered Frisco city limits at around 10:39 p.m.
Kneeland ran away. A multi-agency search was initiated, involving the deployment of drone and K-9 teams. Officers learned that Kneeland had allegedly voiced suicidal intentions throughout the search.
Kneeland was discovered dead from a gunshot wound at around 1:31 a.m., which detectives think was self-inflicted. The official cause and manner of death will be decided by the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office. No new information has been made public, and the inquiry is still ongoing.
A Promising NFL Future Cut Short
In a game against the Arizona Cardinals two days earlier, Kneeland recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown. A video of the play was posted on Instagram by a Dallas Cowboys fan page, highlighting a noteworthy occasion in the early years of his professional career.
His agent, Jonathan Perzley of Sportstars, Inc., released a public message on Instagram after learning of his tragic passing. He discussed Kneeland’s development from a driven student-athlete at Western Michigan University (WMU) to a well-liked NFL player, emphasizing his work ethic, morals, and influence on others.
As they deal with the tragic death, Perzley also requested privacy for Kneeland’s loved ones, teammates, and family.
WMU, where Kneeland played from 2019 to 2023, also responded to the news. He was a cherished member of the campus community and a pivotal presence in the football team, according to the athletic department.
After a successful senior season and an appearance in the Reese’s Senior Bowl, Kneeland graduated with a degree in Sports Management and was chosen by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The defensive end quickly left a lasting impact, according to head coach Lance Taylor, who guided the Broncos during Kneeland’s final year. He stated:
“Marshawn was so much more than an incredible football player—he was a remarkable young man who meant so much to our program and to me personally. His leadership, energy, and smile were infectious, and he left a lasting impact on everyone in our program.”
Although Kneeland’s football skills helped him go to the NFL, Vice President and Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae pointed out that his influence at Western Michigan was primarily defined by his demeanor off the field, including his relationships with teammates, energy, and courteous demeanor.
A Legacy of Discipline and Determination
In his reflections on Kneeland’s early growth, former defensive line coach David Denham also highlighted his self-motivation and discipline. He clarified in an interview with the Dallas Cowboys in May 2024:
“Marshawn really separated himself by – and this was all due to the fact that he saw the elder statesmen in the room doing this – being in the facility at 6 a.m. doing prehab, not rehab, where he would get his body loose, stretch and actively ready to go.”
Kneeland frequently worked beyond the team’s scheduled practices, Denham said. He would go back to the facility after his afternoon classes were over to watch the tape, ask specific questions, and work on getting better.
Denham assigned him specific tasks to aid in his growth, like evaluating second-and-medium situations, which Kneeland accomplished with diligence and accuracy. He gradually started to stand out from the other players on the roster because to his practice of practicing plays by himself on the field.
Denham went on to say that Kneeland had noticed the same focus in seasoned players like Braden Fiske, whose meticulous preparation style he had instinctively followed.
Kneeland excelled at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, prior to attending WMU, where he was named to the First Team All-State as a senior.
The NFL community has been rocked by a slew of tragedies in recent weeks, the most recent of which is Kneeland’s passing.
One of them, former NFL rushing back Doug Martin, passed away tragically on Saturday, October 18, at the age of 36. Martin was previously considered one of the league’s best players.
A Family’s Grief
The former Pro Bowler’s demise was confirmed by his family in a statement, where they expressed their grief, “It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning. Cause of death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy at this time.”
Although the family remained silent about the circumstances of his passing, insiders subsequently verified that Martin passed away in Oakland following a medical crisis while being held by the police.
A Mysterious Scene
The Oakland Police Department reported that after receiving complaints of a potential break-in, police arrived at a residence on the 11000 block of Ettrick Street at 4:15 a.m. on Saturday.
Dispatchers were also contacted at the time regarding a medical emergency at the same house. Martin was inside the house when the police came. He reportedly struggled briefly as they tried to arrest him, but they were able to apprehend him quickly.
Shortly after, he lost consciousness in the rear of the police vehicle. He was taken by paramedics to a neighboring hospital, where they declared him dead. Martin’s detention and the cause of the medical emergency have not been explained by the police.
A Cloud of Questions Surrounds His Final Moments
According to the department, the circumstances surrounding his death will be examined by a number of agencies, including the Oakland Police Commission, the Internal Affairs Bureau, the Homicide Section, the Community Police Review Agency, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
In anticipation of the investigation’s conclusion, the concerned officers were put on paid administrative leave. To ascertain Martin’s precise cause of death, an autopsy was also planned. This covered whether his brief altercation with police during his detention was caused by a medical issue alone or by a combination of that condition plus the incident.
From College Hero to NFL Legend
Former teammates, supporters, and the larger football world were shocked by Martin’s death. He became well-known while attending Boise State, where he excelled for four years before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
He became a fan favorite during his six seasons in Tampa Bay, where he was selected to two Pro Bowls and named an All-Pro.
Throughout his NFL career, Martin, who is known for his strength and speed, ran for over 5,300 yards and scored 30 touchdowns. Later, in 2018, he ended his playing career with the Oakland Raiders.
The NFL community also lost another star before Martin. Rudi Johnson, a former running back for the Cincinnati Bengals, was confirmed dead at the age of 45, according to a heartbreaking and heartfelt declaration from his family. The family source told TMZ Sports exclusively that Johnson passed away on Tuesday, September 23.
From Gridiron Glory to a Life of Quiet Service
Johnson’s football career started in Chesterfield County, Virginia, when he joined the Ettrick Trojans of the Chesterfield Quarterback League at the age of six. He attended Butler Community College as a standout before moving to Auburn University after graduating from Thomas Dale High School.
The late Ettrick Trojan’s ascent started at the school, when he won SEC Player of the Year for his spectacular play, setting the stage for a bright NFL future.
The former league star, who was selected by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft, went from being a little-known to a household name in Cincinnati very fast.
Johnson had a breakout season in his third year, running for 957 yards and nine touchdowns after two weaker seasons. In 2008, he played his final season in the NFL with the Detroit Lions, capping a career filled with standout performances and unwavering perseverance.
‘A Dear Friend’ Gone Too Soon
At the field, the heartache continued. Bengals President Mike Brown gave a heartfelt homage to Johnson on the day of his passing, honoring both the player and the man who wore the shirt.
Brown said, “Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us. He was dependable and productive as a player, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing.”
A Life of Giving amid Hidden Pain
Fans may recall his explosive runs and ground-breaking yards, but those closest to him believe his life was really defined by his commitment to serving others.
According to the family source, Johnson started a charity to help kids and families, a purpose he quietly pursued while he struggled in secret with mental health issues and the possible impacts of CTE.
The reason of death was first unknown. However, authorities revealed in an update that the former football player committed suicide in Florida just after midnight on the day of his death.
His Last Public Words
The deceased football player, meanwhile, was featured in a videotape that was shown at the September 19 Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 event, only four days before to his passing. He received recognition for his efforts to the game and his community during the occasion.
In the recorded message, the ex-NFL star shared an emotional reflection on his journey in football. His message to the next generation read, “I just want to say dream big, shoot for the stars, stay focused, never give up. And one more thing to all the kids from Chesterfield County, I’ll be watching for the next star to be born.”
The former Cincinnati star also thanked his coaches and teammates for helping him along the way in the video. His heart stayed with the community in spite of the unseen struggles. Until the very end, he continued to give and try.
Johnson’s narrative now serves as a reminder of life’s transient nature as well as a tribute to the strength of fortitude, kindness, and compassion as the NFL community grieves his passing.
His foundation uplifted families, his runs electrified stadiums, and his presence left teammates with recollections of camaraderie and loyalty. Despite his untimely death, Johnson’s influence will endure in records, the lives he touched, and the memory of a player who gave his all both on and off the field.
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