🏈 Marshawn Kneeland — Overview

 

🏈 Marshawn Kneeland — Overview

  • Full Name: Marshawn Kneeland

  • Date of Birth: July 8, 2001 – Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

  • Date of Death: November 6, 2025 – Frisco, Texas, USA

  • Age: 24

  • Height / Weight: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) / 268 lb (122 kg)

  • Position: Defensive End

  • NFL Team: Dallas Cowboys (2024 – 2025)

  • College: Western Michigan University

  • Draft: 2024 NFL Draft — Round 2, Pick 56 (by the Dallas Cowboys)


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πŸŽ“ 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.

  • At WMU, Kneeland developed into one of the top defensive linemen in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

  • Over his college career, he recorded nearly 150 total tackles, 12–13 sacks, and earned Second-Team All-MAC honors in 2023.

  • 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

  • Kneeland was selected 56th overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.

  • His size and explosiveness made him an ideal rotational defensive end.

  • In his rookie season (2024), he earned praise for his hustle and maturity beyond his years.

  • 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.


πŸ’” Tragic Death (November 2025)

On November 6, 2025, Marshawn Kneeland was found dead in Frisco, Texas, at just 24 years old.

  • According to police reports, Kneeland died by apparent suicide after a brief vehicle pursuit and crash.

  • 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.

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πŸ•Š️ Legacy and Impact

Though his NFL career was tragically short, Marshawn Kneeland left a lasting impression on everyone around him:

  • Teammates remember him as humble, upbeat, and relentlessly dedicated.

  • Fans recall his high-energy play style and powerful special-teams moments.

  • 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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