In the Dallas Cowboys’ Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals, former Western Michigan defensive end Marshawn Kneeland recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown. Just two days later, the defensive end was gone.
Kneeland played five seasons at Western Michigan after graduating from Godwin Heights in Wyoming, where he set records for sacks and tackles for loss. The Cowboys selected him in the 2024 NFL Draft. The college football world reacted to his passing.
NFL and Western Michigan Fans Honor Marshawn Kneeland Following Sudden Death
In a recent statement, the Cowboys organization revealed that Kneeland had tragically passed away just days after scoring his first NFL touchdown. The cause of death was revealed to the public by the Frisco, Texas, police department.
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 6, 2025
“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 statement read.
RIP Marshawn Kneeland.
Seemed like a great young man. Enjoyed watching him play at Western Michigan and was able to see him play in-person. His 2023 season was amazing in the MAC & I think he helped paved the way for the dominant defense we’re seeing at WMU this season.
— 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝟑𝟒𝟒 𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 (@Section344Lions) November 6, 2025
“RIP Marshawn Kneeland.Seemed like a great young man. Enjoyed watching him play at Western Michigan and was able to see him play in-person. His 2023 season was amazing in the MAC & I think he helped paved the way for the dominant defense we’re seeing at WMU this season,” one fan wrote in tribute.
Life is so precious and short. Never take any moment for granted. RIP Marshawn Kneeland https://t.co/LKNT9UnqqG
— Ryan McGettigan (@R_Mcgett9) November 6, 2025
“Life is so precious and short. Never take any moment for granted. RIP Marshawn Kneeland.” Another fan posted as tributes poured in for the former Western Michigan defensive end.
Marshawn Kneeland literally scored a touchdown 3 days ago man💔RIP
— ricki martinez (@rickimmartinez) November 6, 2025
“Marshawn Kneeland literally scored a touchdown 3 days ago, man. RIP.” Another fan posted in shock.
Kneeland’s story was one of the most inspirational in all of college football. As a 2-star coming out of high school, the Michigan defensive end went on to break records, which earned him a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
I have never written a harder article in my life.
Marshawn Kneeland grinded from nothing to get an offer from Western Michigan, and just as his work paid off and the NFL was ahead, his mom, Wendy passed away.
This kid fought through so much to get here, and now he’s gone.
— Mark Heaney 🏈⚾️ (@MarkHeaneyMedia) November 6, 2025
“I have never written a harder article in my life. Marshawn Kneeland grinded from nothing to get an offer from Western Michigan, and just as his work paid off and the NFL was ahead, his mom, Wendy, passed away. This kid fought through so much to get here, and now he’s gone. So sad,” UNC’s Mark Heaney wrote.
Statements from WMU Football Head Coach Lance Taylor and VP/Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae on the tragic passing of Marshawn Kneeland. pic.twitter.com/2tYeZJvlxT
— Western Michigan Broncos 🐎 (@WMUBroncos) November 6, 2025
“Our department is heartbroken over the passing of Mashawn Kneeland. Marshawn was a beloved member of our campus community and a proud alumnus who worked hard to earn a degree and achieve his dream of playing in the NFL. But they came second to his engaging spirit and love for his Bronco teammates and coach’s.” A statement from Western Michigan read.
This weekend, Western Michigan is on a bye week. However, the week after, they will return to take on Ohio, as tributes will surely take center stage at Waldo Stadium.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or at http://988lifeline.org.
