Marshawn Kneeland biography — age, early life, college, NFL career, net worth estimation, and tragic death of the Dallas Cowboys defensive end.
Marshawn Kneeland was a promising young American football defensive end whose rise from Michigan college standout to the NFL captured hope and potential—only to be met with tragic early departure from life. Selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Kneeland showed signs of becoming a valuable contributor on the field. His story matters not only for his athletic achievements, but also for the human fragility behind professional sports, mental health, and the pressures faced by young athletes.
Just days after scoring his first NFL touchdown, his life ended at age 24 under tragic circumstances. His journey—from a Michigan high school to college at Western Michigan Broncos to the NFL—speaks of ambition, resilience, and heart. Below is a detailed biography of his life, career, and legacy.
Highlights of This Biography
- Full Name: Marshawn Kneeland
- Date of Birth: July 8, 2001
- Place of Birth: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
- Profession: Professional American football player (Defensive End)
- College: Western Michigan University (2019–2023)
- NFL Team: Dallas Cowboys (2024–2025)
- Net Worth: Estimated to be modest, given brief career
- Age at Death: 24 years old
- Date of Death: November 6, 2025
- Notable Achievement: Scored his first NFL touchdown via a blocked punt recovery days before his death
Early Life
Marshawn Kneeland was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on July 8, 2001. He attended Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, where he played linebacker and tight end. In his senior year, he produced standout statistics—over 110 tackles, eight sacks on defense, and 20 receptions for 330 yards and five touchdowns on offense. His high school performance attracted attention and set the stage for his college recruitment.
Growing up in Michigan, Kneeland’s formative years were shaped by determination and the drive to reach professional sports. He balanced academics, athletics, and personal challenges. The modest high school environment and his drive to succeed offered him early lessons in discipline and perseverance.
Education & College Career
For his higher education and football development, Kneeland went to Western Michigan University, where he played for the Broncos from 2019 through 2023. Over his college career, he gradually improved his production and performance, culminating in a selection to the second-team All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) in 2023.
While specific academic major details are less publicly known, his time at Western Michigan was crucial in honing his football skills, physical conditioning, and understanding of the game’s demands. He developed into an NFL prospect through training, film study, and live performance, demonstrating growth and readiness for the professional level.
Career / Professional Journey
Kneeland entered the professional ranks when the Dallas Cowboys selected him with the 56th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. His rookie season included 11 games, during which he recorded 14 tackles. Despite a knee injury early in his career that required arthroscopic surgery, he persevered, showcasing his resilience.
In the 2025 season, he began to take on a larger role. Two days before his death, Kneeland scored his first NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football—a milestone moment in his short career.
His total NFL statistics included 26 tackles, one sack, and one touchdown across 18 games played in his two seasons. Though his time in the league was brief, his style, work ethic, and potential resonated with teammates and fans alike.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Because Marshawn Kneeland’s NFL career was short-lived and he had just begun to establish himself professionally, his net worth was modest compared to longer‐tenured players. Entry-level NFL contracts and early career earnings combined with endorsements likely placed him in the range of hundreds of thousands to low millions of USD, though no public verified figure exists. His legacy is better measured by impact and promise than by financial accumulation.
Personal Life & Family
Kneeland’s personal life was marked by devotion to family and his goals. Notably, his mother, Wendy Kneeland, died unexpectedly in February 2024, just prior to his entering the NFL draft. He honored her memory by wearing a necklace containing her ashes—a poignant symbol of his love and motivation.
He had a girlfriend, Catalina, as referenced in team statements following his death. Friends and teammates remembered him as kind-hearted, approachable, and grateful of his journey from Michigan to the NFL.
Death and Legacy
On November 6, 2025, Marshawn Kneeland passed away at the age of 24 in Frisco, Texas. The circumstances are tragic: following a late-night traffic stop and police pursuit near Dallas, his vehicle crashed and he fled on foot. Authorities later found him deceased from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The death is being investigated as a suicide. Patrons and peers have expressed grief, and his passing has ignited conversations about mental health, athlete well-being, and support systems in professional sports.
His death came just days after achieving a dream milestone—his first NFL touchdown—a reminder of both the high peaks and deep valleys in athletic careers. The NFL community, his college alma mater, and his family mourn a life of potential unfulfilled and a young man gone too soon.
Conclusion
Marshawn Kneeland’s story is deeply human—marked by early talent, collegiate progression, professional achievement, and profound tragedy. Though his time in the NFL was brief, his journey offers lessons about ambition, fragility, perseverance, and the importance of mental health support for athletes. While his stat line may be concise, his impact on teammates, family, and the wider football community resonates. His legacy reminds us that behind the helmet and the tackle is a person whose story matters.
FAQs About Marshawn Kneeland Biography
What is Marshawn Kneeland’s net worth?
There is no publicly verified figure. Given his early career stage, his net worth was modest and likely in the hundreds of thousands to low millions of dollars.
How old was Marshawn Kneeland when he died?
He was 24 years old, passing away in November 2025.
What college did Marshawn Kneeland attend?
He attended Western Michigan University, playing for the Broncos from 2019 to 2023.
What were Marshawn Kneeland’s NFL achievements?
He was drafted in the second round (56th overall) by the Dallas Cowboys in 2024. He played 18 games over two seasons, recorded 26 tackles and one sack, and scored his first NFL touchdown on a blocked-punt recovery.
What is his nationality?
Marshawn Kneeland was American, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
How did Marshawn Kneeland die?
He died on November 6, 2025 in a tragic incident involving a vehicle pursuit and subsequent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities are investigating the death as a suicide.
Did Marshawn Kneeland have a spouse or children?
No public information indicates that he was married or had children.