New Details About the Moments Leading up to Marshawn Kneeland’s Death Emerge
Marshawn Kneeland died by suicide on November 6, 2025; the death of the promising NFL star shocked not only the league but the world. Kneeland had secured his first NFL touchdown just the week before, and his partner was expecting their first child. Now, new details on Kneeland’s final moments are emerging, bringing the full scope of the tragedy into focus.
Police first tried to intervene when they saw Marshawn Kneeland speeding down a Texas road
The tragedy of Marshawn Kneeland’s death unfolded in the early morning hours of November 6, but police first spotted the NFL star in the late evening on November 5. According to the Star-Telegram, police clocked Kneeland driving upwards of 145MPH on the Dallas North Tollway at 10:33 pm. They gave pursuit but lost sight of the speeding vehicle pretty quickly.
According to additional reports, Kneeland crashed his black Dodge Charger shortly afterward and fled on foot, taking a gun with him. While initial reports suggested Kneeland was involved in a one-car accident before he abandoned the vehicle, later reports state that Kneeland’s Charger struck another vehicle before coming to rest. According to the Dallas Morning News, the second driver was unharmed in the incident.
The Cowboys organization and Kneeland’s girlfriend were in contact with authorities
By the time the accident had been reported, Kneeland’s girlfriend was in contact with the police. She had expressed concern for her partner’s mental health. It is unclear exactly what prompted the situation, why Kneeland was speeding, or where he was headed when police first noticed him. His partner, Catalina Mancera, told a 911 dispatcher that she feared he would take his own life. She noted that he had a history of mental health issues. Mancera did not reveal what that history included or if he had expressed suicidal ideation in the past.
Additional details suggest the Dallas Cowboys organization was involved in the hunt for Kneeland before his body was found. Police located the 24-year-old inside a portable restroom after 1 am on November 6. The Frisco Police Department used thermal imaging technology to assist in the search.
The Cowboys have remained supportive of Kneeland’s family, including Mancera, in the aftermath of the tragedy. A memorial fund has been set up by the organization to ensure Kneeland’s unborn child is provided for. Funeral arrangements have not been made public.
