Marshawn Kneeland, an up-and-coming second year defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, was killed in a car accident early Thursday morning. He was discovered with an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound. His untimely passing has reverberated throughout his family, friends, teammates, and the entire world of football. At the time, Kneeland was just beginning to find his groove in the NFL. Even in a year marred by injury, he’s recently redeemed himself with an invitation to the 2024 Senior Bowl, and he’ll compete in the NFL scouting combine, scheduled for late February.
Kneeland was born with the love of the game in his bones. On that note, on April 26, 2024, the Dallas Cowboys selected him in the second round with the 56th overall pick. At times, he’d towered over his opponents at 6-foot-3 and 268 pounds—a literal and figurative monster on the field who had proven to be powerful already. His path was fraught with obstacles particularly following the unexpected passing of his mother. Though a loss that is tragic to be sure, this tragedy struck only eleven days before the combine. This loss had a profound effect on him as well; he decided to eulogize her with poetically powerful words.
Kneeland’s mom, Wendy Kneeland, had been an inspiration for him all his life.
“It tore me apart, but one thing that helped me get through it is that I can still feel her just training, and this and that. I would ask her to be with me, and I can feel her presence with me,” – Marshawn Kneeland.
Aside from his sorrow, he was well-loved and respected for his iron will and strength. He had surgery, went to work in rehab and more than earned NFL head coach Mike McCarthy’s admiration for his work ethic.
“His first minicamp practice, you could see he got into it a little bit with the tight ends and just older players,” McCarthy stated, underscoring Kneeland’s competitive spirit.
Kneeland was famous even more for his sunny disposition than for his athletic prowess. He had a rare gift for raising the people up around him.
“He just had this charm about him that was so pure and honest. I don’t think there’s a person who crossed paths with him who had a bad thing to say,” – Jon Perzley shared.
A bond he developed with fellow teammate Hozey Haji-Badri, forged from their mutual appreciation of diverse flavors and cuisine, was another example of Kneeland’s captivating personality. Though his girlfriend played a key role in his recovery, serving as his “rock” through difficult moments, including after his mom’s death.
Underneath this sunny facade was a deep battle with mental health. Before his death, reports said Kneeland had shown signs of having “suicidal ideations.” Police reports showed a long-standing history of severe mental illness. They reported that he was armed when he was sought out by police shortly before his death.
The news of Kneeland’s death came as a surprise to many who had seen him as a rising star in the NFL. Coach McCarthy’s comments put a human, painful face on the shocking reality.
That’s what’s so gut-wrenching about what happened. Because immediately you go right to, ‘What could I have done? Could I have done something better?’ he expressed sorrowfully.
Friends and teammates remembered Kneeland as a thoughtful person who was respectful to others and sincerely interested in their lives. His off-field interests included a love for anime, particularly shows like “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners,” which showcased another dimension of his personality.
“He was physically a big guy, but he was the most kindhearted, caring, just generous, loving person that you’d ever meet,” said Nicole Kneeland-Woods, highlighting the contrast between his imposing physical stature and gentle demeanor.
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