Marshawn Kneeland’s death is second family tragedy in two years
Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland’s death is the second tragedy for his family in the last two years.
Kneeland lost his mother, Wendy, unexpectedly last February, two months before he was taken in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan.
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Marshawn died by suicide following a police pursuit Wednesday night into early Thursday on Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. He was 24.
Wendy died of “an undisclosed illness” as Marshawn was preparing for the 2024 NFL scouting combine on Feb. 18, according to the Dallas Morning News — and the pair had a shared goal of him making it to the pros one day.
The Cowboys selected him in the second round of the NFL draft that April.
Marshawn was found at 1:31a.m., deceased with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Frisco police.
Marshawn carried the ashes of his mother in a vertically shaped urn, no bigger than two inches, on a chain around his neck, according to the Dallas Morning News.
“It was definitely tough,” Marshawn said of his mother’s passing last June. “I just managed it. She helped me a lot in my younger years getting into football. I always had the dream. I always told her, ‘I’m going to the NFL’ and I made it.
“It’s a hard situation just knowing she got to see me potentially going to the NFL and going through [the process]. She’s still with me. I got this urn of her ashes I carry with me everywhere. I still feel like she’s there watching over me.”
Police said they received information during their pursuit that Marshawn had expressed suicidal ideations.
Plano police responded to a welfare concern at a home associated with Marshawn before midnight Wednesday, but did not make contact with anyone, according to multiple reports.
According to 911 dispatch audio obtained by TMZ Sports, an operator stated that Marshawn’s girlfriend, whom the Cowboys identified as Catalina, stated she received a concerning message from Marshawn and was trying to contact the defensive end’s agent.
A 911 operator says his girlfriend stated that Marshawn was armed, has a history of mental illness — and she quoted him as saying he would “end it all.”
Another dispatcher is heard saying that the NFL contacted Plano police department regarding one of its players “texting his family goodbye.”
Kneeland played 17 snaps during the Cowboys’ 27-17 loss to the Cardinals on Monday night.
He scored a touchdown on a blocked punt in the first half at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family,” the Cowboys said in a statement.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the NFL said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources.”
The Cowboys are on a bye week before a “Monday Night Football” clash with the Raiders in Las Vegas on Nov. 17.
Marshawn played in 11 games as a rookie last season and seven games this season, recording one sack.
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