

Last Updated: 07 Nov, 2025 | Views: 554
Age: 24
Profession: Sports Men
Other Profession(s): Football player
Higher Education: Western Michigan University
About (Profile/Biography):
Marshawn Kneeland (born July 8, 2001—November 5, 2025) was a driven American football defensive end whose journey from Michigan to the NFL touched many hearts. From setting high-school records in Grand Rapids to earning a second-round pick at the 2024 NFL Draft, “Beast Mode 2.0” turned his childhood dream into reality. He played for the Dallas Cowboys and carried his late mother’s ashes in a necklace to honour her unwavering support. Though his professional career and life were cut tragically short, his legacy of perseverance, humility and heart remains.
Early Life & High School of Marshawn Kneeland
• Marshawn grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and attended Godwin Heights High School where he excelled on both defence and offence.
• He recorded over 110 tackles and eight sacks as a senior linebacker, plus 20 receptions for 330 yards as a tight end, showing his multi-talent.
• Marshawn’s mother Wendy and father Shawn provided the foundation for his discipline and ambition, grounding his athletic drive in family values.
College Career of Marshawn Kneeland
• He chose Western Michigan University and played with the Broncos from 2019-2023, steadily improving his game.
• Marshawn logged approximately 149 tackles and 12.5 sacks in his college tenure and earned second-team All-MAC honours in 2023.
• Amid his college years, he considered transferring but ultimately stayed, showing loyalty and commitment to his program.
Professional Career of Marshawn Kneeland
• The Dallas Cowboys selected Marshawn in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft (56th overall pick).
• In his rookie season, he appeared in 11 games, recorded 14 tackles, and battled a knee meniscus injury.
• In 2025 he scored his first NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone just days before his tragic death.
Controversy & Tragedy around Marshawn Kneeland
• Marshawn’s life ended in a police pursuit in Frisco, Texas, where he reportedly fled a traffic stop and was later found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
• Dispatch audio suggests he had texted his family “goodbye” and expressed suicidal intent before the incident.
• The tragic end sparked important discussions on mental-health support for athletes navigating loss, pressure and trauma.
Awards & Recognitions received by Marshawn Kneeland
• Second-team All-Mid-American Conference (All-MAC) in 2023.
• Recognised by scouts as one of the fastest edge rushers at the 2024 Senior Bowl, elevating his draft stock.
• Set multiple high-school records in tackles, sacks and tackles-for-loss at Godwin Heights, making him a standout recruit.
Lesser-Known Facts about Marshawn Kneeland
• He carried his mother Wendy’s ashes in a necklace, a deeply personal symbol of her influence and his promise to her.
• Marshawn wore jersey number 94 with the Cowboys, a nod to his hard-hitting edge-rushing style.
• Though primarily a defensive end, in high school he also played tight end on offence, showing his athletic versatility.
Wait!
Here're some popular profiles for you.
