Dallas Cowboys star Marshawn Kneeland ‘sent tragic text message to his family’ as heartbreaking cause of death is revealed

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marshawn Kneeland died by suicide late Wednesday night at the age of 24.

Kneeland was discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after fleeing from Texas State police around 10:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday.

Kneeland died overnight in the middle of his second season in the NFL. His family and ‘shattered’ manager Jonathan Perzley confirmed the ‘tremendous loss’.

Texas Department of Public Safety troopers attempted to stop Kneeland for a traffic violation on the Dallas North Tollway, according to a statement shared by DPS. However, Kneeland reportedly refused to pull over, leading to a car chase that caused pursuing authorities to lose sight of Kneeland’s vehicle.

Kneeland’s vehicle was later found abandoned after crashing on the Dallas Parkway. DPS, along with the Frisco Police Department, searched the area where the football player was found dead.

A defensive lineman’s girlfriend alerted police after receiving an alarming text message from the NFL star saying he was ‘going to end it all’.

24-year-old football player took a photo with his girlfriend Catalina

‘Shattered’ manager Jonathan Perzley confirms loss as NFL pays tribute

In devastating 911 audio obtained by TMZofficers are heard relaying information from Kneeland’s girlfriend; His girlfriend reportedly said he had a history of mental illness and was armed.

The message also stated that the NFL contacted the Plano Police Department to indicate that the family of one of its players was concerned for his well-being. ‘The person is sending a farewell message to his family,’ the operator said.

The Frisco Police Department continues to investigate Kneeland’s death.

Kneeland’s family released an emotional statement following the news of his death, remembering him as “a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson and friend.”

‘We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our pain,’ they said. While Marshawn made his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he was even more special off the field; as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson and friend.

‘He was kind, determined, humble and loving. His light shined in every life he touched, and his spirit will live on in the countless hearts he inspired.

‘We are deeply grateful for the love and support from our friends, fans and the community. ‘We ask for privacy as we come together as a family to honor and remember Marshawn’s life and legacy during this difficult time.’

Kneeland’s heartbreaking death came just two days after the Cowboys played in a Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Kneeland’s mother, Wendy (left), passed away unexpectedly in February 2024, aged just 45

Kneeland scored his first NFL touchdown on Monday, just two days before his death.

The defensive lineman, selected by Dallas in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, reached a major milestone during the shootout, scoring his first professional touchdown by catching a blocked punt in the end zone in the second quarter.

The Dallas Cowboys honored Kneeland as “a beloved teammate and member of our organization” in a statement shared Thursday morning.

The NFL also paid tribute to the young football star, saying: ‘We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys star Marshawn Kneeland. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, his family, friends and teammates. ‘We have been in contact with the Cowboys and offered them support and counseling resources.’

Kneeland was drafted by the Cowboys out of Western Michigan last year. He played in 18 games for Dallas over nearly two seasons in the NFL, four of which came as a starter. He recorded 26 tackles and one sack.

“I watched him grow from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with dreams of becoming a respected pro for the Dallas Cowboys,” said Perzley, his agent.

‘Marshawn poured his heart into every move on the field, every practice and every moment. ‘To lose someone with his talent, his spirit and his kindness is something I can’t 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 at this unimaginable time. I ask that you give their loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they suffer this tremendous loss.’

But as Kneeland was preparing for the NFL scouting combine, he and his family were struck by another tragedy.

The Grand Rapids native suffered a devastating loss in April 2024 when his mother, Wendy, died unexpectedly just two months before the NFL Draft.

Defensive lineman was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 draft

“It was tough, it still is, but at the end of the day what got me out of it was him spending his whole life trying to get me here and supporting me as much as he could to get me to the NFL,” Kneeland previously told WZZM 13.

After being drafted by the Cowboys, Kneeland wore his mother’s ashes on a necklace in a small two-inch urn.

The Cowboys are on their bye week and are not scheduled to return to practice until Monday, with their next game on Nov. 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Kneeland set records for tackles, sacks and tackles for loss at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, before heading to Western Michigan.

In 38 games during his college career, Kneeland recorded 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles and three pass deflections.

He was also nominated for the second-team All-Mid-American Conference in 2023 after finishing the year with 57 tackles, 4.5 steals and 7.5 steals in nine games.

After the devastating news of his death broke, tributes poured in from around the NFL world, with Kneeland’s Cowboys teammates leading the way.

Dallas star Jake Ferguson was among the first to honor his teammate, posting a tribute on his Instagram story with the caption ‘I love you bro’ along with three black hearts.

Defender Kenneth Murray also reposted a tribute graphic on his story with the caption ‘Fly high bro’ alongside a broken heart emoji.

Wide receiver KaVonte Turpin wrote, ‘I love you, kid,’ while fellow pass catcher Ryan Flournoy wrote, ‘Rest up bro, I love you.’

Former Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer praises his former player as he reacts to heartbreaking news

‘He was a great person, eager to learn… he wanted to be great. He did not accept anyone’s words on the field. He loved playing the game. “It’s difficult,” he told Jane Slater. ‘My last conversation with him was: Keep being yourself, you’ll have a great career.’

The NFL Players Association released a statement saying it was ‘deeply saddened by the passing of Marshawn Kneeland.’

‘His impact on those around him was immeasurable and his loss is deeply felt in our community,’ he continued. ‘We are working to ensure players receive the support they need and we extend our condolences to Marshawn’s family and loved ones.

‘To our cast members, please remember that grief can be difficult to deal with. Lean on each other and take care of your health. We encourage you to contact us or use the NFL Lifeline for wellness support.’