Originally appeared on E! Online
Marshawn Kneeland’s family has expressed their grief.
Shortly after the Dallas Cowboys confirmed the defensive end had died at 24, his family offered a heartbreaking remembrance of the rising NFL star.
“We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief,” Kneeland’s family, including his siblings AJ Kneeland, Shawn Kneeland and Yahmya Kneeland, wrote in a joint Nov. 6 Facebook statement. “As Marshawn was making his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field — as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend.”
Of his character, they added, “He was kind, determined, humble, and full of love. His light shone brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired.”
The family also expressed appreciation for the kindness they’ve received amid their tragic loss.
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“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, fans, and the community,” they concluded. “During this difficult time, we ask for privacy as we come together as a family to honor and remember Marshawn’s life and legacy.”
Following the news of Kneeland’s death, Texas police confirmed he had died by apparent suicide after crashing while being pursued by authorities.
“Initial reports indicated that a male subject, later identified as 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland of Plano, TX fled the scene on foot,” Frisco police shared in a press release. “Officers established a perimeter and initiated a search of the area with the assistance of the FPD K-9 and Drone units.”
The authorities added that they learned the football player “had expressed suicidal ideations” prior to his death, ultimately finding his body around 1:31 a.m. local time on Nov. 6.
As the NFL and the Cowboys — whom he was drafted by in 2024 — paid tribute to the late player, Kneeland’s agent Jonathan Perzley also reflected on the life of his “dearest friend.”
“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 wrote on Instagram. “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.”
He concluded, “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.”
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