Marshawn Kneeland was a professional American football defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys who was selected in the second round (56th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. Born on July 8, 2001, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he played five seasons of college football at Western Michigan University before making his professional debut against the Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024. Over his two seasons in the NFL (2024–2025), Kneeland recorded 26 total tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery touchdown. Tragically, Kneeland passed away on November 6, 2025, at the age of 24, just days after scoring his first career NFL touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.
Early Life and High School
Marshawn Kneeland was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and attended Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan. He was a versatile athlete who played both linebacker and tight end, demonstrating a combination of size and speed that eventually caught the attention of collegiate scouts.
During his senior year at Godwin Heights, Kneeland delivered a dominant performance with 110 tackles and eight sacks on the defensive side of the ball. He was equally effective on offense, tallying 20 receptions for 330 yards and five touchdowns, which solidified his reputation as one of the top multi-positional prospects in the region.
Western Michigan College Career
Kneeland chose to play for the Western Michigan Broncos, where he spent five seasons from 2019 to 2023. His development at Western Michigan was marked by a steady increase in production and physicality, eventually making him one of the most feared edge rushers in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
In his final season in 2023, Kneeland earned Second-team All-MAC honors after recording 57 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. He finished his collegiate career with a total of 149 tackles and 12.5 sacks, proving he could compete at a high level despite not being a highly-ranked recruit out of high school.
NFL Draft and Combine
Kneeland’s draft stock soared following a standout performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 268 pounds, he displayed elite athleticism for his size, which prompted many scouts to label him as a “workout warrior” with a high ceiling.
40-Yard Dash: 4.75 seconds
Vertical Jump: 35.5 inches
Broad Jump: 9 feet 11 inches
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.18 seconds (Top-tier for defensive ends)
The Dallas Cowboys ultimately selected him 56th overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, viewing him as a key rotational piece for their pass-rushing unit under defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
Professional NFL Career Stats
Kneeland’s transition to the professional level was interrupted by injuries, yet he showed flashes of the explosive talent that made him a high draft pick. Over his 18-game career, he became known as a high-motor player who excelled against the run.
2024 Rookie Season
As a rookie, Kneeland appeared in 11 games and recorded 14 tackles and one pass deflection. His season was briefly halted by a right knee injury suffered while attempting to sack Justin Fields, which required arthroscopic surgery, but he successfully returned to the field later that year.
2025 Sophomore Season
In his second year, Kneeland was projected as a breakout star. Through seven games in 2025, he recorded 12 tackles and his first career sack. In Week 9 of the 2025 season, he scored his only NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone against the Arizona Cardinals.
Career NFL Statistics Table
| Year | Team | GP | Solo | Asst | TOT | Sacks | TD |
| 2024 | DAL | 11 | 9 | 5 | 14 | 0.0 | 0 |
| 2025 | DAL | 7 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 1.0 | 1 |
| Total | — | 18 | 15 | 11 | 26 | 1.0 | 1 |
Personal Legacy and Tributes
Kneeland was deeply motivated by his family, especially his mother, Wendy, who passed away in February 2024 shortly before he was drafted. He famously carried her ashes in a necklace at all times, including during his NFL games, as a tribute to her influence on his life.
Following his passing in November 2025, the Dallas Cowboys and the Western Michigan Broncos released statements mourning the loss of a “beloved teammate.” His agent and former coaches described him as a remarkable young man whose energy and smile were infectious to everyone in the locker room.
Practical Information and Trivia
For fans and researchers looking to follow his impact or learn more about the player:
Position: Defensive End (DE)
Jersey Number: 94 (Dallas Cowboys)
Alma Mater: Western Michigan University
NFL Team: Dallas Cowboys (2024–2025)
Draft Class: 2024, Round 2, Pick 56
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
FAQs
When was Marshawn Kneeland drafted?
He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round (56th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft.
What were his NFL career stats?
Kneeland recorded 26 total tackles, 1.0 sack, and 1 touchdown over 18 career games with the Dallas Cowboys.
How did Marshawn Kneeland die?
Tragically, Kneeland died on November 6, 2025. Reports indicated he took his own life following a police pursuit in Frisco, Texas.
Where did Marshawn Kneeland go to college?
He played college football at Western Michigan University (2019–2023).
What was his first NFL touchdown?
His first and only touchdown came in Week 9 of the 2025 season against the Arizona Cardinals, where he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone.
Was Marshawn Kneeland an All-American?
While not a first-team All-American, he was a Second-team All-MAC selection in 2023 at Western Michigan.
Who did he play for in the NFL?
Marshawn Kneeland played his entire professional career for the Dallas Cowboys.
What was his jersey number?
He wore number 94 for the Dallas Cowboys.
What was Marshawn Kneeland’s height and weight?
He was listed at 6-foot-3 and 268 pounds.
Did Marshawn Kneeland have any children?
At the time of his death, it was revealed that his girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, was pregnant with their first child.
Where was Marshawn Kneeland born?
He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on July 8, 2001.
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