He scored his first NFL touchdown under the bright lights of Monday Night Football, a moment of pure triumph. Just 48 hours later, he was gone.
The sudden and tragic death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland at just 24 years old sent shockwaves through the sports world, leaving fans and teammates grappling with an unthinkable loss. How could a young athlete, seemingly at the peak of his life and career, be gone so soon?
This is the story of Marshawn Kneeland—a tale of immense potential, a promise kept to his mother, and the private struggles that happened far from the stadium lights. It’s a journey from his Michigan roots to the Dallas Cowboys, marked by both incredible achievement and profound heartbreak. We’ll explore his life on and off the field, the legacy he leaves behind, and the complex circumstances of his passing that remind us all of the human behind the helmet.
Early Life and Family: Michigan Roots
Marshawn Kneeland was born on July 8, 2001, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to parents Shawn and Wendy Kneeland. He was one of four children in a close-knit family that would become both his foundation and source of profound grief.
Growing up in western Michigan, Marshawn attended Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, where his athletic talents quickly became apparent. He played dual positions for Godwin Heights—excelling as both a defensive lineman and tight end. His senior year statistics were impressive by any measure: 110 tackles and eight sacks on defense, complemented by 20 receptions for 330 yards and five touchdowns on offense. This outstanding performance caught the attention of college recruiters, and he eventually committed to Western Michigan University to play college football.
College Career: Rising Star at Western Michigan
Kneeland played for the Western Michigan Broncos from 2019 to 2023, developing into a formidable defensive force. His dedication and performance peaked during his final college season when he earned second-team All-MAC (Mid-American Conference) honors in 2023.
Over his collegiate career, he accumulated 149 tackles and 12.5 sacks, along with three pass deflections and three forced fumbles. His time at Western Michigan wasn’t without its crossroads—in December 2022, he briefly entered the transfer portal before ultimately deciding to remain with the Broncos. This decision would set him on a path toward the NFL draft.
NFL Journey: Dallas Cowboys
The Draft and Rookie Season
Marshawn Kneeland’s professional dreams were realized when the Dallas Cowboys selected him 56th overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft. The combination of his impressive college stats and standout combine performance—where he measured 6’3″, 267 pounds, and ran a 4.75-second 40-yard dash—made him an appealing prospect for the Cowboys.
He signed a standard four-year rookie contract valued at approximately $6,832,646, which included over $4,011,000 in guaranteed money. In his rookie 2024 season, his cash earnings were estimated at $2,584,196, primarily from his signing bonus and first-year salary.
Kneeland made his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024. His rookie season saw him appear in 11 games, where he recorded 14 tackles. The season wasn’t without adversity—he suffered a right knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery, though he avoided what was almost a season-ending situation.
2025 Season and Breakout Potential
Entering his second season, expectations were high for Kneeland. During 2025 training camp, he was tapped as a possible breakout star on the Cowboys. Teammates and coaches took notice when he intercepted quarterback Dak Prescott in a practice clip that circulated on social media.
Before his death, Kneeland had played in 7 games during the 2025 season, starting 3 of them. He had recorded 12 tackles and 1.0 sack. His most memorable professional moment came just two days before his passing, when he recovered a blocked punt for his first—and tragically, only—NFL touchdown during a Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals.
### Marshawn Kneeland’s NFL Statistics
| Year | Team | Games Played | Games Started | Total Tackles | Sacks | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | DAL | 11 | 1 | 14 | 0.0 | 0 |
| 2025 | DAL | 7 | 3 | 12 | 1.0 | 1 |
| Career | 18 | 4 | 26 | 1.0 | 1 | |
| Source: |
Personal Life: Family, Love, and Heartbreak
A Mother’s Legacy
Marshawn Kneeland’s personal life was marked by both deep love and profound loss. Just two months before he was drafted by the Cowboys, his mother Wendy passed away unexpectedly in February 2024 from an undisclosed illness.
The loss was devastating for the young athlete. In a poignant interview with the Dallas Morning News, Kneeland revealed how he kept his mother’s memory close: “I got this urn of her ashes, I carry with me everywhere. I still feel like she’s there watching over me”. He often spoke about how his mother had supported his football dreams from his earliest years, and how he was living out the promise he had made to her that he would reach the NFL.
Relationship with Catalina
Kneeland maintained a relationship with his girlfriend, Catalina, though the couple notably kept their private life out of the public eye. So private was their relationship that no public photographs or social media posts of them together are known to exist.
In the official statement released by the Dallas Cowboys following his passing, the organization specifically mentioned Catalina, sending their “thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family”. This acknowledgment highlighted her importance in his life, even as she remained away from the spotlight.
Net Worth and Career Earnings
At the time of his passing, Marshawn Kneeland had an estimated net worth of approximately $1.3 million. This wealth was derived primarily from his NFL career, including his signing bonus, base salary, and potential performance incentives.
### Contract Breakdown and Earnings
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $795,000 | $1,789,196 | $2,584,196 |
| 2025 | $1,105,575 | – | $1,105,575 |
| 2026 | $1,416,150 | – | $1,416,150 |
| 2027 | $1,726,725 | – | $1,726,725 |
| Total | $5,043,450 | $1,789,196 | $6,832,646 |
It’s important to understand that while his contract was valued at nearly $6.8 million, his actual earnings were significantly less due to taxes, agent fees, and other deductions. The guaranteed portion of over $4 million provided financial security, but his early passing prevented him from receiving the full value of his contract.
Tragic Passing and Legacy
On November 5, 2025, Marshawn Kneeland was found deceased in Frisco, Texas, at just 24 years old. The circumstances surrounding his death were tragic and complex.
According to reports from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Kneeland had been involved in a police pursuit the previous night. Officers terminated the chase after losing sight of his vehicle, which was later discovered abandoned following a crash. During the search, police received information that he might be suicidal. Kneeland was found nearby with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His death remains under investigation by authorities.
The Dallas Cowboys released a statement expressing their grief: “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”.
His agent, Jonathan Perzley, also shared a personal tribute: “I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night. He poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field”.
Remembering Marshawn Kneeland
Those who knew Marshawn Kneeland remember him for more than his athletic prowess. Teammates, friends, and coaches often spoke of his “infectious smile and energy that radiating from his body, being able to lift anyone’s spirits”. The outpouring of love and memories on social media following his death testified to the joy and light he brought to those around him.
His journey from a high school standout in Michigan to a professional athlete in Texas was characterized by determination, resilience in the face of personal tragedy, and a commitment to honoring his mother’s memory. While his career statistics—26 tackles, 1.0 sack, and 1 touchdown over 18 games—may seem modest, they don’t reflect the potential that coaches and teammates saw in him.
As the sports world mourns the loss of this young athlete, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the human being behind the helmet—one who experienced tremendous personal loss even as he achieved his professional dreams, and whose private struggles ultimately overwhelmed him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Marshawn Kneeland’s cause of death?
Marshawn Kneeland’s death was investigated as an apparent suicide. He was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound after fleeing the scene of a car accident and a police pursuit.
How old was Marshawn Kneeland when he died?
Marshawn Kneeland was 24 years old when he passed away on November 5, 2025.
Did Marshawn Kneeland have any children?
There is no information available in search results indicating that Marshawn Kneeland had any children.
What was Marshawn Kneeland’s relationship with his mother?
Kneeland was very close to his mother, Wendy, who passed away unexpectedly in February 2024. He carried her ashes in a necklace at all times and credited her with supporting his football dreams from his early years.
How many games did Marshawn Kneeland play for the Cowboys?
During his brief career, Kneeland played in 18 total games for the Dallas Cowboys—11 in his rookie 2024 season and 7 in the 2025 season before his passing.
*If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7. Dial or text 988, call 1-800-273-8255, or chat via their website.*