Texas Department of Public Safety records released Friday outline the final hours of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who authorities say was traveling at more than 145 mph before crashing and later taking his own life in Frisco.
According to the DPS incident report, a trooper first noticed Kneeland’s black Dodge Charger shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Nov. 5 near the Dallas North Tollway and Frankford Road. The trooper followed as Kneeland made multiple unsafe lane changes and accelerated to speeds beyond 145 mph before exiting toward Headquarters Drive. When the vehicle sped through an intersection, the trooper initiated a pursuit but soon lost sight of the Charger near Lebanon Road, ending the chase and requesting tollway authorities monitor nearby cameras.
A short time later, surveillance located the Charger heading south on the Dallas Parkway. The vehicle struck another motorist, lost control and crashed in a nearby field. An empty holster was later recovered from inside the car. Kneeland fled on foot toward nearby businesses.
Police said he was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a portable restroom around 1:30 a.m.
Kneeland, 24, was in his second season with the Cowboys after being drafted in the second round out of Western Michigan in 2024. He appeared in 18 games, recording 26 tackles and one sack. His final game included his first NFL touchdown when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone.
Newly released dash, body-camera and drone footage show the confusion officers encountered as they tried to track Kneeland after the crash. Audio captured officers reacting as they learned of his identity and discussing messages the NFL said he had sent to family members. Drone video later showed the extended search as officers used thermal imaging and cell-phone data to locate him.
Kneeland’s family and management have since launched a memorial fund to support his girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, who is expecting a child.
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