Family of Dallas Cowboys star Marshawn Kneeland breaks silence following his death aged 24

Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.

The family of Marshawn Kneeland, 24, have shared their heartbreak in the wake of the NFL star's tragic death.

The Dallas Cowboys revealed the death of the rising star defensive end in Texas on Thursday, November 6, just days after the 24-year-old had scored a scorching touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals - the first of his young career.

Kneeland's promising career began playing college football for the Western Michigan Broncos in his home state, where his success saw him selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys.

Confirming the death of their 'beloved' Marshawn, the Kneeland family shared that they 'are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief'.

Marshawn Kneeland's death was announced by his team on Thursday (Icon Sportswire/Getty Images)

The Kneeland family's heartfelt tribute continued: "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. 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."

As football fans learned of the tragedy on Thursday, Frisco Police Department informed the public of the tragic circumstances surrounding the NFL star's death, which authorities understand to have been a suicide.

Officers said an incident occurred involving an 'outside agency vehicle pursuit that led to a multi-agency search in Frisco', which sadly led to the discovery of a man 'deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound'.

Kneeland was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

The Frisco PD statement went on to explain that their officers assisted a Texas Department of Public Safety search for a speeding car that had evaded them, eventually locating the vehicle in Frisco, crashed on the southbound Dallas Parkway.

A man believed to be Marshawn Kneeland fled the scene on foot, with officers erecting a cordon and engaging a large search operation to locate the missing individual, with dog and drone units deployed to track him down.

The department continued: "Kneeland was later located at 1:31a.m., deceased with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The cause/manner of death will be determined by the Collin County Medical Examiner's Office."

The Dallas Cowboys confirmed the tragic news later that day, saying in a statement: "It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning.

"Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family."

If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.

If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.