NFL star Marshawn Kneeland’s eerie final put up previous to ‘obvious suicide’ aged 24
Dallas Cowboys star Marshawn Kneeland has died at the age of 24, with the defensive lineman’s cause of death confirmed as an “apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound”
A devastating final post from NFL and Dallas Cowboys star Marshawn Kneeland has surfaced following confirmation of his cause of death at just 24 years old. The defensive lineman, who netted his maiden touchdown during Monday night’s clash with the Arizona Cardinals, shared a moving message in 2024.
On Thursday, Frisco Police Department issued a statement revealing that Kneeland appeared to have taken his own life following a vehicle chase and search on Wednesday. The Texas department confirmed he was discovered shortly after midnight with an “apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound”.
The cause and manner of death will be determined by the Collin County medical examiner’s office.
It has now come to light that one of the 24-year-old’s final tweets on X was replying to a touching post from one of his former defensive line coaches, Western Michigan’s David Denham.
The University of Michigan coach shared a picture last May of a group of players, all grins, after a visit with the caption: “Always a great evening when the guys come over! #EAT.”
Kneeland quote retweeted the post from his former coach, along with the caption: “Enjoy this. It goes by fast.”
This came after a photograph taken of the draft from ESPN 2 where he celebrated his selection and promised a brilliant future to his followers, a month earlier.
“From 2 star to 2nd round,” he wrote. “Thank you everyone for the love and support. We just getting started.”
Kneeland was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of last year’s draft, making 18 appearances for the franchise including four as a starter.
The 24-year-old achieved a milestone in his sophomore campaign, securing his maiden touchdown after recovering a blocked punt for six points on Monday.
Dallas Cowboys issued a statement expressing their “extreme sadness” regarding his death. The statement read: “It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning.
“Marshawn was a beloved team-mate and member of our organisation. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
The National Football League subsequently released an emotional tribute, posting: “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 team-mates.”
Nebraska’s head coach Matt Rhule delivered a heartfelt message about men’s mental wellbeing in the wake of Kneeland’s passing.
“Seeing the tragic news out of Dallas today, and understanding that none of us know what people are going through,” he stated.
“That’s why I think we should all be careful about what we say to people. I think we should all be careful about what we tweet about people. I think we should be cognizant of what everyone’s going through.
“I think it’s the time in this world to be kind to people, and at the same time, care about people and ask about people. Our generation of kids, my kids, they all just say, ‘I’m fine, I’m straight.’
“You’ve really gotta unearth it. I look at travel and time together at practice as chances to impact young people’s lives.
“I would encourage everybody to. I would encourage everybody, today, with your own kids or the people you work with, just to check on them. That young man scored a touchdown just a couple of days ago.
“And to the outside world you’d think he’s at the pinnacle. But he was dealing with something – I don’t know what it was. But I pray for him, him and his family.”
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
