The family of Marshawn Kneeland, the late Dallas Cowboys defensive end, has expressed suspicion over his death. His cousin, Jasmine Kneeland, stated she believes law enforcement played a role. “I really feel like they killed him, I really do believe that,” Jasmine, 33, told the Daily Mail in a report published November 8.
Kneeland, 24, died on Thursday, November 6. His death followed a brief police pursuit initiated after he failed to stop for a traffic infraction. His body was found near Dallas Parkway after he abandoned his car. Authorities stated he died by apparent suicide.
Jasmine Kneeland disputes this account. “Marshawn is not a violent person. He’s not impulsive. Something here just isn’t right. Something really scared him and he ran,” she said.
She described Kneeland as a family-loving individual. “This is nothing like him. He loves his family. He’s like a big kid,” Jasmine noted, highlighting his joy in making TikTok videos with younger relatives and his generosity.
Us Weekly reached out to the Frisco Police Department for comment.
“Why would he suddenly do something like that? That’s not the person I know,” Jasmine questioned. She added that the family is “completely devastated.”
The Kneeland family had expected Marshawn to return home to Michigan for the Cowboys’ bye week. “He was supposed to be here with us in Grand Rapids, not dead after a police pursuit,” Jasmine stated.
Despite the family’s claims, reports indicate Kneeland sent “goodbye” texts to friends and family shortly before his death. This information comes from 911 audio recordings.
His girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, informed authorities that Kneeland had “a history of mental health issues.” She expressed concern for his well-being.
An acquaintance reportedly told Us on Monday, November 10, that Kneeland stated he “couldn’t go to prison or jail” hours before his body was discovered.
The extended Kneeland family, including his father Shawn, issued a statement on Thursday. They expressed devastation and emphasized Marshawn’s role as a beloved family member.
“While Marshawn left his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field,” the family stated. They remembered him as a son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and devoted friend.
Marshawn’s mother, Wendy, passed away in February 2024. This was just two months before he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys.
The family’s statement further described him as “kind, determined, humble, and full of love.” They also requested privacy during this difficult time.