After His Mother's Sudden Death, Marshawn Kneeland Found a Touching Way to Keep Her Close

In the months leading up to his highly anticipated NFL debut, Marshawn Kneeland experienced a heartbreaking loss, honored a lifelong promise, and found a meaningful way to carry the memory of his greatest supporter with him.

When the Dallas Cowboys called his name during the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Marshawn Kneeland wasn't just celebrating a career milestone. He was honoring the woman who had stood by him every step of the way — his beloved mother, Wendy Kneeland, who had tragically died just weeks earlier.

On February 18, 2024, while training for the NFL Scouting Combine, Marshawn learned of her sudden death from an illness that had not been publicly disclosed. "It was definitely tough," he said. "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."

A Son's Tender Tribute and a Mother's Unwavering Love

To keep her spirit near, the young defensive end began wearing a tiny vertical urn — barely two inches long — containing her ashes, strung on a chain around his neck. "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," he stated firmly.

It became his most precious possession — a constant reminder of the woman who believed in him long before the world did. The bond between mother and son ran deep. Wendy had been there from the very beginning, cheering from the sidelines, and pushing him toward the dream he now lived.

"She was the one driving me around, trying to find a place for me to do football when I was younger," he recalled. "I started off with two hand tap football. She was there for all of my games in high school, as much as she could."

From Humble Beginnings to the National Stage

Growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Marshawn graduated from Godwin Heights High School with just one Division I scholarship offer — from Western Michigan University. It was all he needed. "I wasn't heavily recruited coming out of high school," he shared.

At Western Michigan, he quickly became known for his relentless drive and leadership on and off the field. 13 sacks later, he left as one of the school's standout defensive ends. "Now I'm about to go to the NFL and have my jersey hang in one of these showcases; it doesn't get any better than that," he celebrated.

Even in the shadow of grief, he remained focused on the goal he'd promised his mother he would achieve. "It was tough, it still is," he admitted. "But I know at the end of the day, the thing that gets me through it is she spent all her life trying to get me to go here and supported me as much as she could to get me to the NFL."

A Bittersweet Farewell

In a poignant final gesture, Marshawn shared a carousel of photos on social media on May 31, 2025 — including a childhood picture with Wendy and his sister. His caption read, "One Love."

He had fulfilled the dream they had built together. But just months later, Marshawn's remarkable story came to a tragic end.

As we had previously reported, the football community is mourning the loss of the 24-year-old athlete who died just days after scoring his first touchdown in a game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Tragedy has rocked the Dallas Cowboys, as defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was found dead early Wednesday, November 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. Authorities have pieced together the events that led to his death.

News of his death sent shockwaves through the Cowboys organization. The team issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss, extending heartfelt condolences to his girlfriend, Catalina, his family, and his teammates. Kneeland was described as a respected and valued member of the organization.

The Fatal Night at Frisco

According to Frisco police, the incident began on the night of November 5, when the Texas Department of Public Safety attempted to stop a vehicle that fled during a traffic pursuit.

The chase entered Frisco city limits at approximately 10:39 p.m. before the vehicle — later confirmed to be Kneeland's — crashed along southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.

Kneeland fled on foot. A multi-agency search was launched, with K-9 and drone units deployed. During the search, officers received word that Kneeland had reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts.

At approximately 1:31 a.m., Kneeland was found with a fatal gunshot wound, believed by investigators to be self-inflicted. The Collin County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the official cause and manner of death. The investigation remains open, with no additional details released.

A Promising NFL Future Cut Short

Two days prior, Kneeland recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown in a game against the Arizona Cardinals. One fan page of the Dallas Cowboys shared a video of the play on their Instagram account, marking a standout moment in what was the early stage of his professional career.

Following the heartbreaking news of his death, his agent, Jonathan Perzley of Sportstars, Inc., issued a public statement on Instagram. He reflected on Kneeland's journey from a determined college athlete at Western Michigan University (WMU) to a respected player in the National Football League (NFL), highlighting his work ethic, character, and impact on those around him.

Perzley also asked for privacy for Kneeland’s family, teammates, and loved ones as they cope with the devastating loss.

The news also drew responses from WMU, where Kneeland played from 2019 to 2023. The athletic department described him as a key figure in the football program and a valued member of the campus community.

Kneeland earned a degree in Sports Management and was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, following a strong final season and an appearance in the Reese's Senior Bowl.

Head coach Lance Taylor, who led the Broncos during Kneeland's senior year, said the defensive end made a lasting impression in a short time. He said:

"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."

Vice President and Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae noted that while Kneeland's football ability helped him reach the NFL, it was his presence off the field — his respectful nature, enthusiasm, and relationships within the team — that defined his impact at Western Michigan.

A Legacy of Discipline and Determination

Former defensive line coach David Denham also reflected on Kneeland's early development, pointing to his discipline and self-motivation. In a May 2024 Dallas Cowboys interview, he explained:

"Marshawn really separated himself by – and this was all due to the fact that he saw the elder statesmen in the room doing this – being in the facility at 6 a.m. doing prehab, not rehab, where he would get his body loose, stretch and actively ready to go."

Denham recalled that Kneeland regularly put in extra work outside the team's scheduled practices. After finishing his afternoon classes, he would return to the facility to review film, ask detailed questions, and focus on improving his performance.

To support his development, Denham gave him targeted assignments — such as analyzing second-and-medium situations — which Kneeland completed with focus and precision. Over time, his routine of walking through plays alone on the field and applying what he had studied began to set him apart from others on the roster.

Denham added that this dedication reflected habits Kneeland had observed in veteran players like Braden Fiske, whose methodical approach to preparation he naturally adopted.

Before joining WMU, Kneeland starred at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, earning First Team All-State honors as a senior.

Kneeland's death is the latest in a series of tragedies that have shaken the NFL community in recent weeks.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.