Dallas Cowboys star Marshawn Kneeland wore tragic mom’s ashes in necklace after her death 1 year before his own

DALLAS COWBOYS’ late star Marshawn Kneeland wore his mother’s ashes in a necklace a year before his tragic death.  Kneeland died on Thursday at the age of 24 and plunged the NFL into mourning.

The defensive end was found from an “apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound” shortly after midnight in Frisco, Texas, according to the Frisco Police Department.

According to TMZ, the Michigan native told his family goodbye while suffering an “apparent medical episode.”  News of Kneeland‘s death sent shockwaves around the world of sport with tributes pouring in.

Many remembered how much the NFL star loved his mother Wendy, who died unexpectedly from an undisclosed illness last year, just before he was drafted as the 56th overall pick.

So much so that the Dallas ace revealed he wore her ashes around his neck to keep her close.  Kneeland said last year: “It was definitely tough. I just managed it.

“She helped me a lot in my younger years getting into football. I always had the dream. I always told her, ‘I’m going to the NFL’. And I made it.  “It’s a hard situation just knowing she got to see me potentially going to the NFL and going through [the process].

“She’s still with me. I got this urn of her ashes I carry with me everywhere. I still feel like she’s there watching over me.”

TMZ obtained dispatch audio connected to Kneeland’s death in which operators relayed information to his girlfriend.  In the audio, his partner said he was armed and had a history of mental issues.

Police deployed multiple strategies to find Kneeland, including dogs, drones, and officers.  Kneeland had been pulled over by local police late Wednesday night but fled troopers, who lost sight of his car briefly before spotting it crashed off a parkway, the Frisco Police Department said.

The Cowboys star fled on foot, and his body was found about three hours later following an extensive search.

Cowboys release statement

An official cause of death has not been released but will be determined by the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Kneeland’s death comes just days after a season-defining play during Monday Night Football against the Arizona Cardinals when he scored the first touchdown of his professional career.  The Cardinals went on to win 27-17 at the AT&T Stadium, but the late star stood out.

The Cowboys released the following statement following his death: “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.”