The NFL has requested all teams to observe a moment of silence for Dallas Cowboys rookie Marshawn Kneeland, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The league also plans to display a message about the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on jumbotrons during Sunday’s games. Kneeland, who died just days after his first NFL touchdown, is being remembered for his promising career and spirit.
According to officials, DPS troopers attempted to make a traffic stop around 10:33 p.m. when the driver, later identified as Kneeland, refused to stop. Authorities engaged in a pursuit but eventually lost sight of Kneeland’s vehicle, ending the chase.
His car was later found abandoned, and authorities found Kneeland dead nearby. Frisco police, who assisted in the DPS pursuit, released a statement saying that the abandoned vehicle was found by troopers ‘minutes later’ and that Kneeland was believed to have fled on foot.
Police said that during their search, they learned that ‘Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations.’ Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys after being selected 56th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. His death came just days after he recorded his first NFL touchdown in a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night.
His agent, Jonathan Perzley, paid tribute to Kneeland, remembering him for his ‘spirit’ and ‘goodness.’ ‘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. 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,’ said Perzley.
The NFL’s decision to request a moment of silence and the jumbotron message highlights the league’s commitment to addressing mental health concerns among its players. The tragedy has sparked discussions about the importance of mental health support in professional sports and the pressures faced by young athletes.