NFL star Marshawn Kneeland died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Frisco, Texas, on November 6, 2025, according to The Guardian. He was 24. His death came after a late-night pursuit by various law enforcement agencies for a welfare check, including the Frisco Police Department.Marshawn Kneeland was the son of Wendy Kneeland and Shawn Kneeland. His mother tragically passed away in February 2024, according to the Daily Mail.“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization,” the team shared in a statement.It also sent thoughts and prayers for Marshawn’s family, friends, and girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, 22. Subsequently, the late athlete’s family also released a statement, remembering him as a“devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend.”They further mentioned being “devastated by this tremendous loss” and “still processing the depth of our grief.”All you need to know about Marshawn Kneeland’s parentsMarshawn Kneeland was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in July 2001. His father, Shawn Kneeland, has been a professional with Northern American Moving since August 2017, according to his LinkedIn profile. He has been the NFL star’s pillar of strength after his mother’s passing and also helped him through high school and college transitions.Marshawn’s mother, Wendy Kneeland, was divorced and lived in Phoenix, Arizona, according to her Facebook profile. Last year in February, two months before Kneeland was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, she died at her home in Buckeye, Arizona, at the age of 45.Following his mother’s passing, Marshawn Kneeland wore her ashes in a necklace.During Wendy’s memorial service in Wyoming, Michigan, in March 2024, the defensive end paid tribute to her.“It's crazy, growing up, she was always there for me, always going to all my games, always there for me. It's definitely tough; you just never expect something like this. She would always help me with just life in general. She was basically there for me for everything,” Kneeland stated back then.Marshawn, who was a resident of Plano, Texas, continued:“If I could go back in time, I would have definitely found a way for me to go see her, or her to come see me. It tore me apart. I can still feel her just training, I can feel her presence there with me, and I still do. I know she's still watching over me. I try to be as strong as I can.”He also told The Guardian at the time how he tried to manage his way through his mother’s sudden demise and remembered how she pushed him into football and a subsequent NFL career. However, Kneeland lamented that his mother couldn’t be there to see his “dream” get fulfilled. Marshawn grew up with three siblings.On Thursday, his ex-college roommate, Patrick Grange, told the Daily Mail that Marshawn Kneeland was “strictly about his family and about football.” The Western Michigan University alum only did a few things as a routine, including hanging out with his girlfriend, playing video games, watching movies, enjoying anime, and playing professional football.Grange also described Kneeland as a “selfless human being, a great team leader and mentor.”New York Giants v Dallas Cowboys - Source: GettyIt remains unclear what prompted Marshawn to take his own life. However, on Wednesday evening, he reportedly texted his girlfriend Catalina that he wanted to “end it all.” Later, she called 911 and told the authorities that her boyfriend was suffering from mental health issues and was armed.According to the Daily Mail, the NFL also contacted the local police, citing that the family of one of its players was concerned about his well-being as he texted them “goodbye.”Authorities tried to stop him for a traffic violation. However, Marshawn Kneeland reportedly declined to pull over. The Dallas Cowboys defensive end managed to evade the officers when they attempted to conduct a welfare check on him.His abandoned/ crashed vehicle was later discovered in a ditch on the southbound Dallas Parkway. His lifeless body was also found nearby around 1:30 am. The case is currently under investigation.“As Marshawn was making his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field... 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,” his family said in a tribute.They also extended their gratitude for the “outpouring love and support” from Marshawn Kneeland’s friends, fans, and the community.