Content warning: This story discusses suicide.
New information is being uncovered surrounding Marshawn Kneeland's tragic passing.
Shortly before he was found dead in Texas on Nov. 6 from an apparent suicide, the Dallas Cowboys defensive end was involved in a car chase with authorities. And now, it's been revealed that the NFL star was driving upwards of 145 mph at different points during the pursuit, according to a police report obtained by multiple outlets.
Kneeland was first observed speeding by a Texas Department of Public Safety officer around 10:33 p.m. on Nov. 5, which prompted police to pursue his vehicle, per the police report.
During the chase, authorities said that the athlete made "several unsafe lane changes" while reaching speeds "higher than 145 miles per hour" as he passed other drivers, according to the document obtained by TMZ.
After crashing into another vehicle and fleeing on foot, Kneeland went missing for hours before Public Safety troopers and Frisco Police Department officers discovered his body in the early hours of Nov. 6, according to Texas DPS. He was 24.
Frisco police also said they learned that the football player "had expressed suicidal ideations" during their search, according to a press release shared that same day.
However, an official cause and manner of death is still pending from the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office, per authorities.
Following his passing, Kneeland's girlfriend Catalina Mancera—who is pregnant with the couple's baby—shared a heartfelt tribute to her late boyfriend.
“My sweet baby, words could never express how broken I feel, you’re my everything,” she wrote in a Nov. 10 Facebook post. “I’ll love you forever my beautiful angel.”
Two days later, the Dallas Cowboys’ head coach Brian Schottenheimer also honored the late player and noted that the team had set up a fund to help Mancera with any child-related expenses.
“We want to make sure she is taken care of and the baby is taken care of for the rest of their lives," he said in a Nov. 12 press release. "It's very important to our guys and to us.”
For a deeper look back at Kneeland’s legacy on and off the field, keep reading…
Promising Talent
Marshawn Kneeland's football career started long before his time at the NFL.
During his senior year of high school in Michigan, Marshawn achieved an impressive 110 tackles and eight sacks on defense as well as 20 receptions for 330 yards and five touchdowns on offense.
A Rising Star
After graduating, Marshawn committed to Western Michigan University, where he achieved 149 tackles and 12.5 sacks across his four years.
A Standout Player
During his time at the school, the athlete's work ethic helped him stand out, going to the team's facilities as often as he could to train and watch game footage.
As his coach David Denham put it, "That's when you started to see the gradual separation between him and some of the other guys."
Reaching New Heights
Marshawn was the Dallas Cowboys' second-round pick in 2024, the team owner Jerry Jones telling him at the time, "Marshawn, we're gonna put a star on that helmet."
For the young athlete, he tried to soak up every moment. "It's a once in a lifetime experience for me," he said of draft night, "so I'm just excited to be here."
Preparing for the Big Leagues
Marshawn's work ethic stuck with him as he transitioned into the NFL, preparing for his first season with the team.
The Next Chapter
As for how he was approaching the NFL, Marshawn just wanted to stick to his game plan.
"I'm going to be the same type of player I've always been," he said after being drafted. "Physical, fast, high-fitness, high-effort, high-motor. It's basically going to come down to making plays."
Putting in the Work
Throughout his almost two seasons on the Texas team, the 24-year-old amassed 26 tackles and one sack across 18 games, including four starts.
Milestone Achievement
Just days before his death, Marshawn scored his first touchdown in the league.
As his agent Jonathan Perzley said of the player following his death, "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.”