The family of late Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has cast suspicion upon law enforcement over the death of the NFL star.
“I truly think they killed him, I truly do,” Marshawn’s cousin Jasmine Kneeland, 33, told the Daily Mail in a story published on Saturday, November 8.
Marshawn died on Thursday, November 6, following a brief police chase after he failed to stop for a traffic violation. After ditching his car, Marshawn’s body was found near the Dallas Parkway, dead from an apparent suicide. He was 24 years old.
“Marshawn is not a violent person,” Jasmine said. “He is not a hot head. Something here is just not right. Something made him really scared and he ran.”
Related: Former Coach of Marshawn Kneeland Recalls Final Chat Days Before His Death
A former coach of late Dallas Cowboys lineman Marshawn Kneeland revealed he spoke to the NFL star just days before his sudden death. “I am crushed at this moment and my heart and the hearts of Marshawn’s family, teammates and coaches are shattered,” University of Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito said in a statement […]
Jasmine continued, “This is nothing like him at all. He loves his family. He’s like a big kid. He likes making TikTok videos of the little ones in our family, he likes being around them a lot. He was generous with them, always buying stuff.”
Us Weekly has reached out to the Frisco Police Department for comment.
“I mean, why would he do something like that all of a sudden?” Jasmine asked. “That’s not the person I know. Our family is utterly devastated.”
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 29: Marshawn Kneeland Michigan runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Jasmine explained the Kneeland family was looking forward to seeing Marshawn back home in Michigan this past weekend, during the Cowboys’ bye week.
“We had this big reunion planned this week at the home where he grew up,” she said. “We do that kind of thing. All the children come, all the family come together. We eat, we laugh, we pray together. Everybody’s so proud of Marshawn. He’s come such a long way and there was such love for him.”
Jasmine added, “He was supposed to be here with us in Grand Rapids. Not dead after a police chase.”
According to 911 audio, Marshawn had texted friends and family members “goodbye” shortly before his death.
Marshawn’s girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, told authorities Marshawn had “a history of mental illness” and she was concerned for his well-being.
In audio obtained by Us on Monday, November 10, an acquaintance of the late Cowboys star said he was “not able to go to prison or to jail” in the hours before his body was found.
The extended Kneeland family — including his father, Shawn, who is currently incarcerated, his brothers, AJ and Shawn Jr., and his sister, Yahmya — issued a statement about Marshawn’s death on Thursday.
Related: How the Dallas Cowboys Found Out About Marshawn Kneeland‘s Sudden Death
In the early morning hours of Thursday, November 6, Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones heard his phone ring. Stephen, the oldest son of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, answered, only to be told that Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was dead. The call came “not long after the incident,” according to ESPN. Kneeland’s body […]
“We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief,” the family said. “As Marshawn was making his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field — as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend.”
Thank You!
You have successfully subscribed.
Marshawn’s mother, Wendy, died in February 2024, just two months before her son was drafted by the Cowboys.
The statement continued, “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. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, fans, and the community. During this difficult time, we ask for privacy as we come together as a family to honor and remember Marshawn’s life and legacy.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.