Marshawn Kneeland (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

The cause of d3ath for Marshawn Kneeland has been revealed, and it makes the situation even more heartbreaking.

The Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman di3d early Thursday morning, the team announced. He was 24.

Per a release from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Kneeland was involved in a traffic stop following a moving violation in Frisco, Texas.

A chase would ensue, and the police would lose sight of him.

The car was later found after a crash. Kneeland was d3ad from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

More On Marshawn Kneeland

Marshawn Kneeland (Photo via Imagn Images)

Marshawn Kneeland was a second-round pick out of Western Michigan in 2024 and played in a reserve role for the Cowboys.

Kneeland scored a touchdown when he recovered a blocked punt against the Cardinals on Monday, the only one of his career. You could see the happiness on his face when it happened, which makes what he did all the more heartbreaking. Coaches and teammates praised his work ethic, dedication to practice, and ability to learn.

“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” his agent, Jonathan Perzley, said in a 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.”

During his rookie season, Kneeland played in 11 games, and then in seven games this season. He had his only career sack in the opening game this season against the Eagles.

This is a tragic ending for a 24-year-old who worked his way up from Western Michigan to the National Football League.

In his first season with the Dallas Cowboys, he recorded 14 total tackles in 11 games played. So far through seven games in 2025, he has recorded 12 tackles. There is no telling what his career would’ve turned out to be had he stuck around for much longer.