KALAMAZOO, MI –– Arms locked together, heads bowed, the Broncos took a moment of silence.
In the hands of the game captains, a No. 99 jersey.
Marshawn Kneeland’s number.
Kneeland died on Nov. 6.
Kneeland, a standout for Western Michigan football at defensive end, was in his second season with the Dallas Cowboys.
He was 24 years old.
The Broncos honored Kneeland in several ways during game against Ohio on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Related:Marshawn Kneeland honored by WMU in emotional pregame tribute: ‘We played for him’
Kneeland’s number was painted on each sideline, toward the end zone.
Western Michigan hosts Ohio in battle of MAC’s top teams
A “99” is painted on the sideline honoring Marshawn Kneeland during a MAC football game on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Western Michigan defeated Ohio, 17-13.(Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com)
Before the game, Head Coach Lance Taylor wore his former player’s jersey and each player wore his number and initials on their helmet.
Western Michigan hosts Ohio in battle of MAC’s top teams
A sticker honors Marshawn Kneeland during a MAC football game on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Western Michigan defeated Ohio, 17-13.(Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com)
Fans in the crowd also found their own ways to pay their respects to Kneeland with signs, like the one below.
Western Michigan hosts Ohio in battle of MAC’s top teams
A sign honors Marshawn Kneeland during a MAC football game on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan.(Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com)
Before the game began, WMU had a memorial for Kneeland shown on the video board.
It included a photo montage before asking for a moment of silence.
Western Michigan hosts Ohio in battle of MAC’s top teams
Western Michigan honors Marshawn Kneeland during a MAC football game on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Kneeland, a former Bronco and current Dallas Cowboy, passed away on Nov. 6, 2025.(Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com)
The game’s captains walked Kneeland’s jersey to the center of the field for the coin toss.
Western Michigan hosts Ohio in battle of MAC’s top teams
Western Michigan honors Marshawn Kneeland during a MAC football game on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Kneeland, a former Bronco and current Dallas Cowboy, passed away on Nov. 6, 2025.(Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com)
Western Michigan hosts Ohio in battle of MAC’s top teams
Western Michigan honors Marshawn Kneeland during a MAC football game on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Kneeland, a former Bronco and current Dallas Cowboy, passed away on Nov. 6, 2025.(Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com)
The No. 99 was everywhere, except for on the player who typically wears it on Bronco game days.
Defensive lineman Rodney McGraw changed his number for the remainder of the season to No. 4, to pay respect to his former teammate.
Western Michigan hosts Ohio in battle of MAC’s top teams
Western Michigan defensive lineman Rodney McGraw (4) awaits his name to be called on senior night before a MAC football game on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Western Michigan defeated Ohio, 17-13.(Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com)
A 17-13 WMU win added a capstone to the tribute, pushing the Broncos to first place in the MAC and giving them bowl eligibility.
Related:WMU football takes down Ohio in battle of top MAC teams: Our 15 favorite photos
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