In the final moments before Dallas Cowboys’ football player Marshawn Kneeland’s death, police dispatch audio captured the haunting realization that his family knew what was coming. The recording reveals that the NFL defensive end even told his loved ones goodbye during what appeared to be a mental health episode.
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According to his girlfriend Catalina, Kneeland had a history of mental illness and told her he would “end it all,” in a heartbreaking 911 audio recording obtained by TMZ.
She contacted his agent for help on Wednesday (Nov. 5) after receiving a series of concerning text messages, noting that he was armed.
“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,” the dispatcher said, according to CBS News. Cops said on the 911 recording how they were “talking to the girlfriend, she’s trying to call the agent, so we’re trying to get her to call him first but she’s saying he is armed and has a history of mental illness.”
The 24-year-old reportedly died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Frisco Police Department. The Texas Department of Public Safety, per NBC DFW, attempted to stop a car the Cowboys’ lineman was driving for a traffic violation around 10:33 p.m. on Wednesday night.
Officers claim that Kneeland refused to stop, leading to a pursuit. He eventually lost police before allegedly crashing on the southbound Dallas Parkway. Frisco police said Kneeland fled the scene of the crash on foot. He was later located at 1:31 a.m. dead of what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Cowboys released a statement Thursday morning confirming that Kneeland had passed away.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
Kneeland’s agent, Jon Perzley, reflected on his client’s passing, calling it a heartbreaking loss.
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night… 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,” Perzley said
The Cowboys selected Kneeland in the second round (56th overall) in the 2024 draft after a successful career at Western Michigan University. His mother died from an undisclosed illness in February 2024 as he was preparing for the NFL scouting combine. The defensive lineman carried an urn of her ashes with him everywhere as he still felt his mother was there “watching over [him].”
He was honored with a moment of silence during Thursday (Nov. 6) night’s game between the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders. Kneeland started three games this season, recording 12 tackles.
His reported suicide occurred just two days after he scored his first career NFL touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.
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