America’s team is mourning this morning, as they announced the death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland. Kneeland was born on July 8, 2001, to Wendy and Shawn Kneeland. Not much is known about them; however, something is clear: His relationship with his mother, Wendy Kneeland, was extremely close.
Wendy Kneeland died on February 18, 2024, while her son was preparing for the NFL Combine. She could never see her son achieve his dream of reaching the NFL. Some months after being picked, the player spoke with the Dallas Morning News and said the following about his mother:
“It was definitely tough,” Marshawn said of his mother’s passing of an undisclosed illness. “I just managed it. 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. 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.”
Kneeland was a Second Team All-MAC selection while at Western Michigan in 2023. With the Cowboys, he played in 11 games last season but only started in 1. This season, he has appeared in seven games so far and started in three.
What Happened to Marshawn Kneeland?
The Dallas Cowboys released a statement earlier today sharing the news with the public; however, they didn’t share the cause of death, but his passing was described as “tragic”.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates. pic.twitter.com/4kowniiC0c
— NFL (@NFL) November 6, 2025
This is what the Dallas Cowboys said about Marshawn Kneeland’s death:
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this 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 team said in a statement.
The former Western Michigan player was in his sophomore NFL season, having been selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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