Dallas Cowboys Defenseman Marshawn Niland died at age 24, the team announced Thursday.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys announce that Marshawn Niland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers for Marshawn go out to his girlfriend Catalina and his family,” the team said in a statement.
According to the Frisco Police Department, Niland appears to have taken his own life following an overnight vehicle pursuit and search by multiple agencies. Officers said Niland fled on foot after a crash on South Dallas Boulevard Wednesday night and was later located at 1:31 a.m. The cause and manner of death will be determined by the Collin County Medical Examiner.
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His agent Jonathan Perzley paid tribute to his client. “I am shocked to learn that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Niland passed away last night. I watched him go from a hopeful West Michigan kid with a dream to becoming a respected professional with the Dallas Cowboys,” Perzley wrote in a statement.
“Marshawn put his heart and soul into every frame, every practice and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit and kindness is a pain I can barely put into words. My heart aches for his family, his teammates and everyone who loved him, and I hope they feel the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time.”
Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor also released a statement: “My heart is absolutely broken by the loss of Marshawn Niland. Marshawn was so much more than just an incredible football player – he was a wonderful young man who meant so much to our program and to me personally. His leadership, energy and smile were contagious, and he had a lasting impact on everyone in our program. While coaching him during my first season here, we developed a special bond that goes well beyond football. His passion for life and his teammates were second to none. Our entire Bronco Football family is devastated and our sincerest prayers go out to his family, teammates and everyone who loved him will forever be a part of the Bronco brotherhood.”
The Cowboys selected Niland out of Western Michigan in the second round of the 2024 draft. His mother, Wendy, died shortly before he was drafted into the army.
“It was definitely hard,” Niland said of his mother’s death. “I just did it. She helped me a lot in my younger years when I started playing football. I always had a dream. I always told her, 'I'm going to the NFL,' and I made it.”
Niland played in 11 games in his rookie season but played a more prominent role in 2025. he scored his first career touchdown after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone. during the Cowboys' loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys player Marshawn Niland,” the NFL said. “We have remained in contact with the Cowboys and offered support and consulting resources.”
Cowboys players had died the previous season. In 2012, linebacker Jerry Brown died in a car accident which his teammate Josh Brent was riding.
