Marshawn Kneeland Bio
Marshawn Kneeland (July 8, 2001 – November 6, 2025) was an American professional football defensive end who played for the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL). Kneeland was known for his collegiate success at Western Michigan University before being drafted by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. His promising career was tragically cut short during his second NFL season.
Early Life and Background
Marshawn Kneeland was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, where he played linebacker and tight end. As a senior, he recorded 110 tackles and eight sacks on defense, while also contributing 20 receptions for 330 yards and five touchdowns on offense. His strong high school performance earned him a commitment to Western Michigan University to continue his football career.
Path to American Football
Kneeland joined Western Michigan University in 2019 and played for the Broncos through 2023. Despite not being heavily recruited out of high school, he developed into a standout player, accumulating 149 tackles and 12.5 sacks during his college career. His efforts earned him second-team All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) honors in 2023. His college success led to an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine, increasing his visibility to professional teams.
Marshawn Kneeland Career
Early Career (2019–2023)
During his time at Western Michigan, Kneeland steadily improved his skills and impact on the field. He became a key defensive player for the Broncos, demonstrating strong tackling and pass-rushing abilities. His senior year performance was particularly notable, earning him second-team All-MAC recognition and solidifying his status as an NFL prospect.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2024–2025)
Marshawn Kneeland was selected 56th overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He made his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024. In his rookie season, Kneeland appeared in 11 games and recorded 14 tackles despite suffering a right knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery. In the 2025 season, he was considered a potential breakout star during training camp and made notable plays, including intercepting quarterback Dak Prescott in practice and scoring his only NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kneeland was recognized for his aggressive defensive style, combining physicality with strategic awareness. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and make impactful tackles made him a valuable asset on the defensive line. His partnership with the Cowboys’ coaching staff helped him develop his skills rapidly during his brief professional career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his career highlights was his second-team All-MAC selection in college and his touchdown recovery in the NFL. His rookie season was marked by resilience, overcoming injury to contribute to the Cowboys’ defense. His sudden death in 2025 brought a premature end to a promising career.
Marshawn Kneeland Career Wins
While primarily a defensive player, Kneeland’s career was marked by key defensive plays rather than traditional wins. His contributions to team defense and special teams were significant during his college and professional tenure.
Western Michigan Highlights
At Western Michigan, Kneeland accumulated 149 tackles and 12.5 sacks. His consistent performance earned him second-team All-MAC honors in 2023, highlighting his impact in collegiate football.
Other Wins & Performances
Kneeland’s NFL career included notable moments such as his interception of Dak Prescott during practice and his touchdown recovery in 2025. These plays underscored his potential as a rising defensive talent in the league.
Marshawn Kneeland Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Kneeland’s family background are limited. It is known that his mother passed away unexpectedly in February 2024. Tennessee Titans defensive back Mike Brown is a cousin of Kneeland, indicating athletic talent within his extended family.
Personal Life
Kneeland resided in Plano, Texas during his professional career. At the time of his death, his girlfriend Catalina Mancera was pregnant with their first child. His personal struggles included a history of mental illness, which was noted in the circumstances surrounding his death in 2025.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was anticipated to be a breakout year for Marshawn Kneeland. He showed promising form during training camp and made impactful plays early in the season. Despite a reported ankle injury in October, he continued to contribute to the Cowboys’ defense. Tragically, his season and life ended abruptly in November 2025. The Cowboys and the NFL community mourned his loss, remembering him as a beloved teammate with significant potential.