Former Cowboys coach Mike Zimmer’s heartbreaking final talk with Marshawn Kneeland revealed

Mike Zimmer delivered a heartfelt message to Marshawn Kneeland in their final conversation before Thursday’s shocking news of the 24-year-old Cowboys defensive end’s death by suicide.

The ex-Cowboys defensive coordinator, who held the position during Kneeland’s rookie season in 2024, told the former second-round pick to “keep being you” in their last discussion, according to NFL Network’s Jane Slater.

“He was a great person, eager to learn .. wanted to be great. He didn’t take any crap from anyone on the field. He studied hard-loved playing the game . Tough,” Slater posted Thursday in a message on X, noting “Zimmer added, ‘My last conversation with him was keep being you you’re going to have a great career.'”

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The Texas Department of Public Safety said Thursday that Kneeland’s cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a pursuit by police.

DPS Troopers “attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation,” according to a statement released Thursday by the Department of Public Safety, and “the driver refused to stop, resulting in a pursuit with DPS Troopers.”

can be heard saying, “We’re talking to the girlfriend, she’s trying to call the agent, so we’re trying to get her to call him first but she’s saying he is armed and has a history of mental illness and her quote was, ‘He will end it all.'”

Kneeland allegedly sent his loved ones a “goodbye” message.

Authorities initially lost visual of Kneeland’s vehicle, but located it a short time later, and it had been involved in a crash, according to the Frisco Police Department.

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Police, who “received information that Kneeland had expressed suicidal intentions,” found him dead early Thursday morning.

The Cowboys announced Kneeland’s death later Thursday morning, days after he returned a blocked punt for a touchdown in a “Monday Night Football” loss to the Cardinals.

“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,” the statement read.

Kneeland’s NFL peers reacted to the tragic news on social media Thursday morning.

“I’m sorry lil brother I hope you find peace,” Micah Parsons, Packers star and Kneeland’s former teammate, penned on Instagram.

“Sick my stomach, my brotha man,” Cowboys defensive back Juanyeh Thomas posted on X.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.