Marshawn Kneeland, former Western Michigan star and Dallas Cowboy, dead at 24

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Former Western Michigan defensive lineman and Dallas Cowboy Marshawn Kneeland died Thursday morning, the Cowboys announced. He was 24. 

A cause of death has not been officially confirmed. A statement from the Frisco (Texas) Police Department states that they responded to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety with a vehicle pursuit that entered Frisco late on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

The vehicle was located after crashing and the driver, later identified as Kneeland, had fled on foot, the statement said. Officers found Kneeland dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in the early hours of Thursday, Nov. 6, the statement said. Kneeland had been reported to be dealing with suicidal ideation, per the Frisco PD statement.

A county medical examiner will establish an official cause of death.

Kneeland's agent, Jonathan Perzley, confirmed the news and shared a message of condolence.

"I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night," Perzley said in a written 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 privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss."

Kneeland, a Wyoming, Michigan, native who played high school football at Godwin Heights, signed on with the Broncos as part of the 2019 signing class. He earned first-team all state honors as a high school senior. 

Then from 2019-23, Kneeland played in Kalamazoo, weathering the Covid 19 pandemic and a coaching staff change ahead of the 2023 season. Kneeland ended up starring on the defensive line in 2023, the first under current head coach Lance Taylor. 

"My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland," Taylor said in a statement. "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. Having coached him during my first season here, we developed a special bond that went far beyond football. His passion for life and his teammates were unmatched. Our entire Bronco Football family is devastated, and we send our deepest prayers to his family, teammates, and all who loved him. Marshawn will forever be a part of the Bronco brotherhood."

Athletic director Dan Bartholomae added his condolences.

"Our department is heartbroken over the passing of Marshawn Kneeland," Bartholomae said in a statement. "Marshawn was a beloved member of our campus community and a proud alumnus who worked hard to earn a degree and achieve his dream of being drafted into the NFL.  While his football talents were exceptional, they came second to his kind and engaging spirit and his love for his Bronco teammates and coaches.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, as well as the close community he had in Grand Rapids, the State of Michigan, and at his new home with the Dallas Cowboys."

Kneeland finished the season with 4.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a career-high 57 total tackles while playing in nine games. 

Kneeland got drafted the following April, going No. 56 overall to the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Kneeland featured as a rotational pass rusher and defensive lineman for the Cowboys through his rookie season and the 2025 season. 

During the Cowboys' loss three days ago on Monday Night Football, Kneeland scored his first NFL touchdown, recovering a blocked punt in the end zone. 

Western Michigan’s press availability for Taylor ahead of Tuesday’s game against Ohio was cancelled in light of the news.