The world of football faced a devastating blow on Wednesday, November 5 with the unexpected loss of Marshawn Kneeland, the Dallas Cowboys defensive end who joined the iconic Texas-based team as part of the 2024 NFL draft and just celebrated his first career touchdown earlier this week during Monday night's game against the Arizona Cardinals. The athlete tragically died by suicide following a police chase in Frisco, Texas, according to officials. He was 24 years old.
"It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning," the Dallas Cowboys released in an official statement early Thursday morning. "Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family."
The NFL Players Association echoed those sentiments in its own statement, expressing grief and condolences for those closest to the late football star: "His impact on those around him was immeasurable, and his loss is felt profoundly across our community. We're working to ensure that players have the support they need, and our condolences are with Marshawn's family and loved ones."
Marshawn's untimely passing is unfortunately the latest tragedy for the Kneeland family-here's what we know about the athlete's personal life and familial background, including his parents and girlfriend.
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Who is Marshawn Kneeland's girlfriend, Catalina?
As referenced in the Dallas Cowboys' official statement about Kneeland's death, the football player was in a romantic relationship with a woman named Catalina, who was reportedly in contact with law enforcement the evening of Marshawn's death after a wellness check went unanswered at his home residence.
The NFL star was private about his romance and didn't post his partner on social media, so it is unclear when and how the two got together. However, we do know that Catalina runs a custom apparel line for sports fans calls Szn. Stitches, which has its own dedicated Instagram account; there, you can see snaps of the budding entrepreneur in the brand's pieces, several of which repped her famous football beau.
Who are Marshawn Kneeland's parents?
Marshawn Kneeland was born on July 8, 2001, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Shawn and Wendy Kneeland; the couple raised the future professional athlete largely in western Michigan, with the young Marshawn attending Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, MI and later going on to play football at Western Michigan University.
Though less is known about Marshawn's father, his mother in particular was very supportive about his athletic goals. Upon being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, Kneeland publicly praised his mom in November 2023 for her "unwavering support," which he declared was "instrumental" in getting him through his college career and into pro stadiums.
He later told The Dallas Morning News: "She helped me a lot in my younger years getting into football. I always had the dream. I always told her, ‘I'm going to the NFL' and I made it."
What happened to Marshawn Kneeland's mother?
Marshawn Kneeland's beloved mother sadly died on February 18, 2024, from an undisclosed illness.
"It was definitely tough," Kneeland told The Dallas Morning News about navigating that profound grief while preparing for NFL scouting. "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."
"I had to lock in," the sports star continued. "I put myself in the best position and she helped me out a lot just leading up to the draft...She was right there with me." Marshawn reportedly was wearing his mother's ashes around his neck when he got drafted by the Cowboys.
Does Marshawn Kneeland have siblings?
Yes, Marshawn had three siblings: a sister named Yahmya and two brothers named AJ and Shawn Michael. Not much is known about the footballer's siblings, though Kneeland has posted throwback photos of his sister on Instagram and has previously to The Dallas Morning News how he leaned on his sis for support following their mother's death.
Did Marshawn Kneeland's family release a statement about his death?
Yes, on November 6, the Kneelands did put out an official statement regarding the tragic death of Marshawn Kneeland to the family's respective Facebook pages. It reads: "The Kneeland family can confirm the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Marshawn Kneeland. We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief."
"As Marshawn was making his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field - as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend," the statement continued. "He was kind, determined, humble, and full of love. His light shone brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired."
"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, fans, and the community. During this difficult time, we ask for privacy as we come together as a family to honor and remember Marshawn's life and legacy," the statement concluded.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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