Marshawn Kneeland Scored His First Touchdown 2 Days Before His Death at 24

Marshawn Kneeland's first touchdown in the NFL came just two days before his death at age 24.

Kneeland, who was in his second season with the Cowboys, scored the touchdown in the second quarter of the Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 3.

Dallas was down 10 points and remained scoreless until Kneeland's play helped get them back in the game. Defensive end Sam Williams blocked a Cardinals punt and Kneeland hustled to get the ball in the end zone for the touchdown.

The Cowboys ultimately lost the game 27-17, despite Kneeland's efforts on defense.

Just over 48 hours later, Kneeland was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after he led Texas DPS troopers on a chase Wednesday night, according to a news release shared with PEOPLE.

DPS Aircraft and troopers along with the Frisco Police Department found the athlete at 1:31 a.m. on Thursday, in the immediate area of his crashed vehicle, approximately three hours after the chase began.

The Cowboys confirmed Kneeland's death in a statement shared with PEOPLE on Thursday, Nov. 6.

“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning," the statement read. "Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family."

NFL insider Jordan Schultz shared the clip of Kneeland's touchdown and said in a tribute, "This was Marshawn Kneeland on Monday night — recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown, living his dream.
Just a few days later… he’s gone. So, so heartbreaking."

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