Remembering Marshawn Kneeland (2001 – 2025)
It is with profound sadness that we reflect on the life and tragic passing of Marshawn Kneeland, the promising young defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, who died at the age of 24 on November 6, 2025.
A Rising Talent
Born on July 8, 2001 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kneeland’s journey to the NFL was both inspiring and tenacious. He starred at Godwin Heights High School before attending Western Michigan Broncos from 2019 to 2023, earning recognition as a Second-Team All-MAC selection in his final collegiate season.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Cowboys selected him in the second round (56th overall), recognizing his speed, versatility and potential on the defensive line.
During his rookie season and into his second year, Kneeland showed flashes of the promise that made him a high pick — culminating in his first NFL touchdown when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone.
A Life Full of Challenges
Behind the on‐field accolades, Kneeland carried heavy personal burdens. Earlier in 2024, he suffered the sudden loss of his mother, a profound event he openly acknowledged as tough to process.
In the early morning hours of Thursday, November 6, 2025, authorities in Frisco, Texas located Kneeland deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, after a vehicle pursuit following a traffic-violation stop.
Dispatch audio and reports revealed that shortly prior to his passing, Kneeland conveyed distressing messages to loved ones, indicating thoughts of suicide.
Legacy and Impact
Though his time in the NFL was brief, Kneeland left an impression on teammates, coaches, and the wider football community. His agent described him as someone who “poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field.”
His coaches spoke about his eagerness to learn, his determination, and the kind-hearted person off the field that balanced the fierce competitor on it.
In the wake of his passing, the Cowboys organisation established a memorial at his locker space, and the broader NFL paused to reflect.
A Call for Awareness
Kneeland’s death underscores the critical, ongoing need for mental-health awareness and support for athletes and all individuals facing inner struggles.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, please reach out: in the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
In Our Hearts
Marshawn Kneeland’s journey — his athletic rise, the personal adversity he faced, and his vibrant character — leave a lasting imprint. For those of us covering his story at the Playmakers Press, his life is a reminder that beyond the statistics and highlights, athletes are people first, with hopes, hardships, and worth.
In honouring him, we commit to not only remembering his achievements on the field, but supporting the humanity behind the helmet.
May his memory serve as both tribute and a reminder: we must care for the person behind the player.