Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died early Thursday in an apparent suicide after police conducted a welfare check at his Plano, Texas, home, authorities confirmed. He was 24 years old.

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

Plano police said officers responded to a welfare call at Kneeland’s home around 11:40 p.m. Wednesday but did not find anyone there. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), state troopers later attempted to stop a driver for a traffic violation on the Dallas North Tollway. After a short pursuit, they lost sight of the vehicle, which was later discovered crashed and abandoned on Dallas Parkway, near the Cowboys’ headquarters in Frisco.

Troopers and Frisco police began searching the area and found Kneeland at about 1:30 a.m., deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, described him as a close friend and hardworking athlete. “I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” Perzley said. “He fought his way from being a hopeful kid at Western Michigan to a respected professional with the Dallas Cowboys. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and kindness is beyond words. My heart aches for his family, his teammates, and everyone who loved him.”

Both the NFL and the NFL Players Association released statements expressing condolences and offering counseling and support services to players and team members.

A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kneeland was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan. Over 18 career games, he recorded four quarterback hits, one sack, and 26 tackles. He scored his first NFL touchdown earlier this week when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone during a game against the Arizona Cardinals.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or chat online at 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support available 24/7.