Marshawn Kneeland, a emerging star with the Dallas Cowboys, who had played one season in San Antonio, was brutally shot to death at 24 years old. We mourn the death of our beloved friend, partner and philanthropist Walter Hood. Our hearts go out to his family and many friends. Police chased Kneeland for several miles late Wednesday night. Instead, when they arrived, they found him with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Frisco Police Department responded to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety in locating Kneeland’s vehicle, which had evaded troopers. The pursuit entered the city around 10:39 p.m. CT and ended when his vehicle crashed on the southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. At the time of her release, authorities found Kneeland about three hours after the high-speed chase started.
A dispatcher then notified the officers that individuals around Kneeland had received a goodbye group-text message from him. This announcement was made right when law enforcement was in the middle of searching for him. Though the news of his death has been devastating, we are forever affected by his vibrant spirit and optimism.
He signed with the Dallas Cowboys, who made him their second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, 56th overall. Johnson had an outstanding career at Western Michigan. During his time there, he won a starting job and played in 38 games, accumulating 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles and three pass deflections. His strong play in 2023 earned Bennett a selection to the second-team All-Mid-American Conference. He capped the year with eye-popping numbers, racking up 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 7.5 TFLs in just nine games.
Before his time at Western Michigan, Kneeland set records for tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan. Despite injuries impacting his rookie season, Kneeland managed to contribute significantly to the Cowboys’ defense. He posted 17 tackles, two tackles for loss and one fumble recovery in his inaugural NFL season. This season he lost a lot of time to injury again but still was able to come up with 15 tackles, one sack and six QB hurries this year.
One of the closest to Kneeland was Greg Ellis, who coached Kneeland as an assistant while Ellis played for the Cowboys and called him a brother.
“He epitomized what you look for in a football player,” – Greg Ellis
Ellis wrote about his inability to help Kneeland in his battles off the football field.
“I wish I would’ve or could’ve done more to help him in other areas of his life,” – Greg Ellis
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, expressed his heartbreak over the tragic news.
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” – Jonathan Perzley
Perzley went on to say that he saw Kneeland’s transformation from a dreamer and hopeful college athlete to a highly knowledgeable and respected professional player.
“I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words,” – Jonathan Perzley
His friends and family are devastated at Kneeland’s unexpected passing. More, though, it has rattled the wider community of fandom and athlete alike. Lance Taylor, who recruited and coached Kneeland at Western Michigan, said he was heartbroken by the loss.
“My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland. Marshawn was so much more than an incredible football player — he was a remarkable young man who meant so much to our program and to me personally. His leadership, energy, and smile were infectious, and he left a lasting impact on everyone in our program,” – Lance Taylor
Taylor stressed the unique connection they shared throughout her time under T-Money. Most importantly, he emphasized the incredible legacy Kneeland left in every life he touched.
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