π Marshawn Kneeland — Overview
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Full Name: Marshawn Kneeland
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Date of Birth: July 8, 2001 – Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Date of Death: November 6, 2025 – Frisco, Texas, USA
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Age: 24
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Height / Weight: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) / 268 lb (122 kg)
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Position: Defensive End
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NFL Team: Dallas Cowboys (2024 – 2025)
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College: Western Michigan University
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Draft: 2024 NFL Draft — Round 2, Pick 56 (by the Dallas Cowboys)
π Early Life and College Career
Marshawn Kneeland grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and played high school football at Godwin Heights High School, where he stood out as both a linebacker and tight end. His athleticism and leadership quickly attracted college scouts.
He went on to play for Western Michigan University (WMU) from 2019 to 2023.
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At WMU, Kneeland developed into one of the top defensive linemen in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
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Over his college career, he recorded nearly 150 total tackles, 12–13 sacks, and earned Second-Team All-MAC honors in 2023.
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Kneeland was known for his strength, work ethic, and intelligence — often described by coaches as a “leader by example.”
⭐ NFL Career with the Dallas Cowboys
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Kneeland was selected 56th overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
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His size and explosiveness made him an ideal rotational defensive end.
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In his rookie season (2024), he earned praise for his hustle and maturity beyond his years.
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In the 2025 season, he made national headlines when he scored a touchdown on a blocked punt recovery during a Monday Night Football game — a major highlight of his young career.
Teammates and coaches frequently described him as humble, hardworking, and team-oriented, someone who brought positive energy to the locker room.
π Tragic Death (November 2025)
On November 6, 2025, Marshawn Kneeland was found dead in Frisco, Texas, at just 24 years old.
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According to police reports, Kneeland died by apparent suicide after a brief vehicle pursuit and crash.
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His death came just days after his standout special-teams performance, shocking teammates, fans, and the broader NFL community.
The Dallas Cowboys organization released an official statement expressing deep sadness:
“Marshawn was a beloved teammate whose passion for football and kindness touched everyone in our organization.”
The tragedy also reignited conversations around mental-health support for professional athletes, particularly young players adjusting to the pressures of NFL life.
π° Sources:
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The Guardian — Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland dies at 24
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People Magazine — Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland dies at 24
π️ Legacy and Impact
Though his NFL career was tragically short, Marshawn Kneeland left a lasting impression on everyone around him:
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Teammates remember him as humble, upbeat, and relentlessly dedicated.
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Fans recall his high-energy play style and powerful special-teams moments.
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Coaches admired his maturity and leadership potential.
His passing served as a somber reminder of the mental-health challenges many athletes face behind the scenes — even in moments of public success.

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