The NFL community continues to mourn the tragic loss of Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland, who passed away on Thursday morning at just 24 years old, deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gu-shot wound. Amidst the tragic circumstances, his great-uncle has now spoken out for the first time, sharing a reflection with SportsDayDFW.

“He was an outstanding young man,” Preston said, according to the latest X post made by Cowboys reporter Calvin Watkins. “He was the gentle giant. He was just an outstanding dude and we loved him very much.”

According to the reports, between 10:33 p.m. and 10:39 p.m. on the night of November 5, 2025, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation in the northbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Boulevard. The driver, later identified as Kneeland, refused to pull over, initiating a pursuit that ended when troopers briefly lost sight of the vehicle. Shortly afterward, officers discovered it had crashed along the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway in Frisco, Texas.

According to the Frisco Police Department, Kneeland fled the scene on foot after the crash. During the search, officers learned that he had “expressed suicidal ideations,” prompting a wider search effort involving DPS aircraft units and Frisco police officers. At around 1:31 a.m., Kneeland was found deceased from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities confirmed that the case is being treated as an apparent suicide, though the investigation remains open pending the medical examiner’s official ruling.

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It’s an especially devastating turn of events, given that just three days earlier, on Monday night against the Arizona Cardinals, Kneeland had recovered a blocked punt in the end zone to score his first career touchdown. What was meant to be a breakout performance has now become a heartbreaking memory for his family.

In a statement, the Dallas Cowboys described Kneeland as “a beloved teammate and member of our organization,” extending thoughts and prayers to his girlfriend, Catalina, and his family. His agent, Jonathan Perzley, shared an emotional tribute, writing: “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.” The NFL Players Association also expressed condolences, emphasizing its commitment to supporting players and families affected by his loss.

*Authorities said the investigation remains open and the official cause and manner of death will be determined by the medical examiner.

Marshawn Kneeland’s NFL journey… A rising star gone too soon

Kneeland’s time in the NFL, though brief, left a strong impression on his family and those who coached him. During his rookie season, he appeared in 11 games, recording 14 tackles while earning the respect of then-defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

“He was a great person, eager to learn,” Zimmer told NFL Network’s Jane Slater. “Wanted to be great. He didn’t take any crap from anyone on the field. He studied hard [and] loved playing the game. Tough.”

Zimmer also recalled his final exchange with the young player. “My last conversation with him was keep being you—you’re going to have a great career.”

Marshawn Kneeland was selected 56th overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, seeing in him a raw but relentless defensive force. By his second season in 2025, he had earned a larger role within the rotation. He started three games across seven appearances, notching 12 tackles and his first career sack.

Now, that promising career has been heartbreakingly cut short. Rest in peace, Marshawn Kneeland.