On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the NFL and Dallas Cowboys announced the tragic news that 24-year-old defender Marshawn Kneeland has died, just days after scoring the first NFL touchdown of his career. "Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family," a statement from the franchise read.
The Dallas Cowboys selected Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft as the No. 56 overall pick. During his professional career, Kneeland has posted 26 tackles, four quarterback hits and one sack during his two seasons with the franchise, according to NFL research. Kneeland was a staple on the field and played in seven of nine games this season alone. He also played in 11 games during his rookie season.
Before being drafted to the Cowboys in 2024, Kneeland played football for Western Michigan University. Now, WMU head football coach Lance Taylor and vice president and director of athletics Dan Bartholomae have released statement on the tragic passing of Kneeland.
Western Michigan Staffers React to Marshawn Kneeland Death
The Western Michigan Broncos took to X after the news broke to share heartfelt statements from both Bartholomae and Taylor about Kneeland's passing, with Taylor saying, "My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland."
Statements from WMU Football Head Coach Lance Taylor and VP/Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae on the tragic passing of Marshawn Kneeland. pic.twitter.com/2tYeZJvlxT
— Western Michigan Broncos (@WMUBroncos) November 6, 2025
Bartholomae wrote, "Our department is heartbroken over the passing of Marshawn Kneeland. Marshawn was a beloved member of our campus and community and a proud alumnus who worked hard to earn a degree and achieve his dream of being drafted into the NFL. While his football talents were exceptional, they came second to his kind and engaging spirit and his love for his Bronco teammates and coaches. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, as well as the close community he had in Grand Rapids, the State of Michigan, and at his new home with the Dallas Cowboys."
Marshawn Kneeland Lost His Mom in 2024
Kneeland suffered a horrific family tragedy in 2024 when he lost his mother, Wendy Kneeland, according to the Dallas News. He carried "the ashes of his mother, Wendy, in a vertically shaped urn, no bigger than 2 inches, on a chain around his neck."
"It was definitely tough," he told the publication at the time. "I just managed it. She helped me a lot in my younger years getting into football. I always had the dream."
He added, "I always told her, 'I'm going to the NFL' and I made it. It's a hard situation just knowing she got to see me potentially going to the NFL and going through [the process]. She's still with me. I got this urn of her ashes I carry with me everywhere. I still feel like she's there watching over me."
This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Nov 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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