A second-year defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys died of what’s believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a police chase.

The death of Marshawn Kneeland, 24, of Plano, Texas, was announced by the team Friday morning.

Police in Frisco, Texas, said they were helping the Texas Department of Public Safety around 10:40 Wednesday night to find a vehicle that had evaded troopers during a pursuit.

Troopers found the vehicle, crashed on the Dallas Parkway. The driver, later identified as Kneeland, had run from the crash scene, police said.

As they searched, officers were told that Kneeland had expressed suicidal thoughts.

• If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

Kneeland’s body was found around 1:30 a.m., police said, with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His cause and manner of death will be determined by the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94), Malik Davis (43) and Damone Clark, right, celebrate after Kneeland recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. Kneeland was found dead days later. (AP Photo/Richard Rodriguez, file)AP

Kneeland, a Michigan native, was in his second season with the Cowboys after being drafted in the second round in 2024.

Before his NFL career, he starred at Western Michigan.

Three days ago, on Monday Night Football, Kneeland had recovered a punt for a touchdown vs. the Arizona Cardinals.

“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the Cowboys 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.”

PennLive’s Matt Connolly contributed to this post.

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