Sport3 min(s) read
Published 15:37 07 Jul 2026 GMT
The cause of death for former Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland has been revealed after he died aged 24 in November.
The defensive end died on Wednesday 5 November 2025 and it has now been revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage 1 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Eight months on from his tragic death, the Concussion and CTE Foundation announced that he had been diagnosed with early CTE following post mortem brain analysis.
In addition to this, the organization confirmed that he had died by suicide.
“Mr. Kneeland played in the modern era of concussion protocols and better helmets, and yet he still developed CTE."
After the announcement, Kneeland’s girlfriend Catalina Mancera and Kneeland’s family released a statement of their own, discussing the ongoing issue of traumatic brain injury in the NFL and beyond.
"While this diagnosis does not change the tragedy of his passing, it provides important context about some of the struggles he may have been facing.
“We share this information to help people understand what NFL and other high contact sport athletes might be struggling with.
“Raising awareness is important to us.
“We continue to remember Marshawn with compassion for the person he was, rather than defining him by the final moments of his life. One Love."
Despite these findings, the CTE Center put out a warning to observers that this discovery does not mean that a post mortem CTE diagnosis should be considered the cause of his suicide.
There are many issues at play, and it had been noted in the past that Kneeland had struggled with his mental health.
In 2020 when he was at Western Michigan there were concerns raised, and at one stage he was required to hand over a firearm to police until notice from a counselor.
Another incident saw police called by a friend to check on Kneeland’s wellbeing.
He was hospitalized after being found on railway tracks claiming he wanted a train to hit him.
Police in Texas found Kneeland dead on November 6th after he had eluded officers during a traffic chase.
He crashed his car and ran away, and police were then later informed that Kneeland had expressed ‘suicidal ideations’.
Brain injury and CTE are a huge issue in sport, but particularly in the NFL, and more research must be done to work out how to keep athletes safe.
Adding to her statement, Dr McKee said: "Thanks to the generosity of our brain donor families, we now better understand the earliest stages of CTE, and it is bringing us closer than ever to diagnosing it during life.
“My team and I are fully dedicated to finding effective treatments and a cure for CTE."
3 min(s) read
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us5 min(s) read
Published 16:57 06 Nov 2025 GMT
The NFL community is mourning the sudden death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who passed away at the age of 24.
The team announced the heartbreaking news on Thursday, leaving fans and fellow players in shock.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said in a statement.
“Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
Now, authorities have released his cause of death.
Kneeland passed away at just 24. Credit: Brooke Sutton/Getty Images.
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, shared an emotional statement remembering his client and friend. “I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” Perzley wrote, per Daily Mail.
“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.”
He added: “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.”
Former Cowboys wide receiver Jesse Holley also reacted to the news on social media, writing on X: “Wow! Tragic news! Rest In Peace Marshawn Kneeland.
"You truly never know what someone is going through.”
Former Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer remembered Kneeland as “a great person, eager to learn” and “tough as nails.” Zimmer added through NFL reporter Jane Slater: “He studied hard, loved playing the game, and my last conversation with him was, ‘Keep being you; you’re going to have a great career.’”
A cause of death has now been confirmed as a self-inflicted gunshot wound, in an official statement from the Texas Department of Public Safety, via Sports Illustrated.
"Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on the northbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Blvd," the statement read.
"The driver refused to stop, resulting in a pursuit with DPS Troopers. However, DPS Troopers lost sight of the vehicle, and the pursuit was terminated.
"The vehicle was later located abandoned and had been involved in a crash on the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. DPS Aircraft and Troopers, along with the Frisco Police Department, searched the immediate area and found the driver, Marshawn Kneeland, deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound."
Kneeland was drafted by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan University.
The Michigan native quickly became a respected figure in the locker room for his hard work and humility.
The young defensive end had played in 11 games during his rookie season and was beginning to take on a more prominent role in 2025.
Just days before his death, Kneeland scored his first career touchdown after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone during the Cowboys’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals, The Guardian reports.
Kneeland’s journey to the NFL was marked by both triumph and tragedy.
His mother, Wendy, passed away shortly before he was drafted. Speaking about her influence, Kneeland once said: “It was definitely tough. 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.”
The NFL also released a statement following the news of his passing: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources.”
The Washington Commanders joined many teams in paying tribute online, calling Kneeland “a rising talent with an incredible future ahead of him.”
Credit: Cooper Neill/Getty Images.
According to a spokesperson for the Plano Police Department, officers responded to “a welfare concern” at Kneeland’s residence around 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday night, a news update read on X.
Police did not make contact with anyone inside, and no further details have been released as of Thursday evening.
Kneeland’s death has stunned teammates, coaches, and fans across the league. Known for his positivity, drive, and compassion, he was seen as one of the Cowboys’ most promising young players.
As tributes continue to pour in, the NFL community remembers Marshawn Kneeland not only as an athlete with a bright future, but as a kind-hearted young man who made a lasting impact in his short life.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
sport3 min(s) read
Published 14:56 06 Nov 2025 GMT
Dallas Cowboys star Marshawn Kneeland has died at the age of 24, according to reports.
As reported by the Dallas Morning News, the defensive end tragically passed away on Thursday morning.
The outlet shared a statement from the Cowboys, confirming: "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."
Credit: Cooper Neill/Getty Images
No cause of death has currently been shared.
Kneeland was the Cowboys’ second-round pick from Western Michigan in the 2024 NFL draft and played 18 games in almost two seasons with the team, compiling four starts, 26 tackles and one sack.
In his final game, he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for his first career touchdown in the Cowboys’ 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Kneeland, who was from Grand Rapids, Michigan, tragically lost his mother, Wendy Kneeland while he was preparing for the NFL draft.
Speaking about his mother's death after being drafted, Kneeland said: "It was definitely tough. 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.”
After being drafted, Kneeland wore his mother's ashes on a necklace in tribute.
Kneeland's agent, Jonathan Perzley, said in a statement as reported by NFL.com: "I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night.
"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 the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss."
The NFL added in a statement: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland.
"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."
Our thoughts go out to Kneeland's family, friends, and fans at this devastating time.
us3 min(s) read
Published 16:26 06 Nov 2025 GMT
The NFL was rocked by the sudden death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who passed away at the age of 24. Kneeland, a promising young talent, was in the midst of his second season with the Cowboys.
His death, confirmed by the team and his agent, came just two days after he celebrated his first career touchdown during a Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cowboys organization expressed their sorrow in an official statement, saying, "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 team did not provide any details regarding the cause of death.
Kneeland's career in the NFL was still in its early stages. After being drafted by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, he quickly made an impact, appearing in 18 games and starting in four. Over the course of his short career, he accumulated 26 tackles and one sack.
His breakthrough moment came just days before his passing when he scored a touchdown by recovering a blocked punt during the Cowboys' Monday Night Football game. This achievement, a high point in his career, will remain a bittersweet memory for those who knew him.
Marshawn's agent, Jonathan Perzley, expressed the depth of his loss (per Sky Sports): "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."
Perzley also reflected on Kneeland's journey from a hopeful college player at Western Michigan to an NFL professional, noting the pride he took in representing the Cowboys.
Kneeland’s life was marked not only by his success on the field but also by personal hardship. Before his rise to the NFL, he faced a devastating loss when his mother, Wendy, passed away unexpectedly in February 2024, just months before the NFL Draft.
Despite the tragedy, Kneeland found strength in his mother’s support, which he spoke about in interviews. "It was tough, it still is, but I know at the end of the day the thing that gets me through it is she spent all her life trying to get me to go here and supported me as much as she could to get me to the NFL," he shared.
Throughout his career, Kneeland kept a small urn containing his mother’s ashes around his neck, a symbol of her lasting influence in his life.
As the Cowboys mourn the loss of this bright young player, they are joined in grief by Kneeland’s family, friends, and teammates, who will remember him not only for his athletic ability but also for his character and determination.
us4 min(s) read
Published 12:11 07 Nov 2025 GMT
A 911 call has revealed the harrowing text message Marshawn Kneeland sent to his family before his tragic death at age 24
The sudden death of the 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys defensive end has left the NFL community in shock.
The young athlete, who was beginning to make a name for himself in the league, tragically passed away after taking his own life in the early hours of Thursday (November 7).
As tributes continue to pour in, new details about the final moments of Kneeland’s life have emerged.
Marshawn Kneeland tragically died at age 24. Credit: Michael Hickey / Getty
According to audio obtained by CBS News Texas from the Plano Police Department’s dispatch, a welfare concern was raised after Kneeland sent a goodbye message to a group of friends via text late Wednesday night.
The dispatcher explained: "We’re getting a call from a friend of the resident, they just received a text from him, a group text, from him saying goodbye.
"They are concerned for his welfare."
At around 11:40PM, officers responded to Kneeland’s Plano apartment, where they found no signs of life inside.
This was the second time that night that they had been dispatched to the address.
Earlier, at 11PM, police were alerted to a vehicle crash on the Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.
The car, which had been involved in a high-speed chase with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers, was linked to Kneeland’s apartment, and the driver was identified as the defensive end.
However, after a search, Kneeland was found dead at 1:31AM from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Kneeland’s death has sent shockwaves through the NFL, with teammates, coaches, and fans mourning the loss of a promising young player.
The Dallas Cowboys released a statement expressing their heartbreak: "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."
Former teammates also took to social media to remember the defensive end, with Former Cowboys wide receiver Jesse Holley, writing: “Wow! Tragic news! Rest In Peace Marshawn Kneeland. You truly never know what someone is going through.”
Meanwhile, former Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer shared memories of Kneeland’s dedication, calling him “a great person, eager to learn” and “tough as nails.”
Credit: John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The late athlete's brief NFL career had shown immense promise.
Drafted by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft from Western Michigan University, Kneeland quickly became known for his work ethic.
During his rookie season, he appeared in 11 games and was beginning to take on a more central role for the team in 2025.
Just days before his death, he scored his first career touchdown after recovering a blocked punt in a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Despite the early success, Kneeland faced personal challenges that added depth to his story.
His mother, Wendy, passed away shortly before he was drafted into the NFL, an event that deeply impacted him.
Reflecting on her support, the 24-year-old once said: "It was definitely tough. 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."
The NFL community has come together to honor Kneeland’s memory, offering their condolences to the Cowboys organization, his family, and those who knew him.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland," the NFL said in a statement.
"We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources."
Our thoughts are with Kneeland's loved ones at this time.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
us3 min(s) read
Published 11:19 13 Nov 2025 GMT
The girlfriend of Dallas Cowboys star Marshawn Kneeland has spoken out for the first time since his death after it was revealed she is pregnant with his baby.
The sudden death of the 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys defensive end left the NFL community in shock after it was confirmed that he took his own life in the early hours of Thursday (November 7).
According to audio obtained by CBS News Texas from the Plano Police Department’s dispatch, a welfare concern was raised after Kneeland sent a goodbye message to a group of friends via text late Wednesday night.
The dispatcher explained: "We’re getting a call from a friend of the resident, they just received a text from him, a group text, from him saying goodbye.
"They are concerned for his welfare."
At around 11:40PM, officers responded to Kneeland’s Plano apartment, where they found no signs of life inside.
This was the second time that night that they had been dispatched to the address.
Earlier, at 11PM, police were alerted to a vehicle crash on the Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.
The car, which had been involved in a high-speed chase with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers, was linked to Kneeland’s apartment, and the driver was identified as the defensive end.
However, after a search, Kneeland was found dead at 1:31AM from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
His death has left NFL fans, teammates, and his loved ones devastated, especially after it was revealed that Kneeland's girlfriend, 22-year-old Catalina Mancera, is expecting their first child.
News of the pregnancy was confirmed by Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, 52, who said during a press conference that the club has set up a memorial fund to support Mancera and the unborn baby.
He said: "She's pregnant and so we want to make sure she is taken care of and the baby is taken care of for the rest of their lives. It's very important to our guys and to us.
"The organisation have been amazing, we've started the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund where we can all give and support Catalina."
Mancera also briefly spoke out for the first time since the tragic death of her partner, telling the Daily Mail: "It's too much. I'm grieving hard right now. It will be a long time before I'll feel ready to talk at any length.
"We're still in the early stages of everything. We are working on the funeral arrangements. I don't know where it's going to be yet."
It comes after it was revealed that Mancera was the one who phone the police to warn that Kneeland had a gun and was in danger of hurting himself after he refused to pull over for a traffic violation in Frisco, Texas.
Police audio shared after the chase showed a dispatcher saying: "We're talking to the girlfriend… she's saying he's armed and has a history of mental illness and her quote was 'he will end it all'."
Mancera and Kneeland had first met when he was at Western Michigan University and had been together ever since.
Kneeland had lost his own mother, Wendy, last year, when the 45-year-old died from an accidental drug overdose at her home in Buckeye, Arizona, per the Daily Mail.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
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