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
A Farewell Message and A Tragic Discovery
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.
Tributes Pour In: A Beloved Teammate and Young Talent
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
Kneeland’s Impact on the Field
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.