💔 Gone Too Soon, But Never Alone — Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland is survived by his loving father and devoted siblings, who stood by him through every hardship, every dream, every touchdown. Their hearts are shattered, but his legacy — of strength, love, and perseverance

The Dallas Cowboys announced the tragic death of Marshawn Kneeland.

The sad end of Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland is, it turns out, part of a wider tragedy that has weighed down his family for more than a year. Kneeland, according to reports, took his own life this week at age 24, after what was described in a police radio call as a history of mental health issues.

Throughout Kneeland’s short life, though, he always remained firmly tethered to his roots in Western Michigan, where he grew up and attended high school, at Godwin Heights HS in Wyoming, Michigan. He was a star football and basketball player for the Wolverines, and set a school record for sacks and tackles. He was also a track star, winning the regional championship in the 400-meter dash.

Kneeland was considered a 2-star recruit, though, and could not drum up much interest from top-tier programs coming out of high school. He wound up at Western Michigan, one of the few schools to offer him a scholarship. Kneeland nearly left WMU for coach Deion Sanders and Colorado in the transfer portal, but ultimately reneged on that commitment and remained in Kalamazoo.

Marshawn Kneeland’s Girlfriend Reportedly Is an Entrepreneur

Kneeland was known to be in a relationship with his girlfriend, whom the Cowboys referred to as Catalina in a statement announcing his death, and who is reported to be Catalina Mancera, who owns a custom NFL clothing business called, SZN Stitches.

It was his girlfriend who, in police dispatch audio released by TMZ Sports, alerted police (as did a representative of the NFL) that Kneeland was armed and that she was worried about his mental well-being.

During the call, the operator can be heard to say that the subject–Kneeland–was “texting his family goodbye.”

Cowboys Draftee Had Just Lost His Mother

Kneeland was the son of Shawn and Wendy Kneeland. He leaves behind his father, as well as grandparents.

His mother, though, died a year ago of an undisclosed cause. That tragedy stung Kneeland deeply, and came just days before the start of the NFL draft combine, where he would make or break his draft stock. Kneeland described his mother as the one who fueled his desire to play football and ultimately reach the NFL.

After her death, he began wearing a small urn on a necklace, containing some of Wendy’s ashes.

He told the Dallas Morning News: “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. It’s a hard situation just knowing she got to see me potentially going to the NFL and going through [the process]. 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.”

InstagramMarshawn Kneeland at Western Michigan. He lost his mother last year before he was drafted.

Marshawn Kneeland Family Included 3 Siblings

According to Western Michigan, Kneeland also has three siblings: AJ, Shawn Micheal and Yahmya.

A family statement was posted to the Facebook page of digital content creator AJ Kneeland of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Shawn Kneeland and Yahmya Kneeland. On Marshawn Kneeland’s Facebook page, his “Intro” line reads, “Wmu Alum🏈 #94 Making my family proud💯 NFL🏈🤫💯.”

The statement read: “The Kneeland family can confirm the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Marshawn Kneeland.

“We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief. As Marshawn was making his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field — as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend. He was kind, determined, humble, and full of love. His light shone brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired.

“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, fans, and the community. During this difficult time, we ask for privacy as we come together as a family to honor and remember Marshawn’s life and legacy.

“With love and appreciation,

The Kneeland Family”

Packers Wide Receiver Collapses After Learning of Close College Friend, Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland’s Passing at Age 24

The NFL community is in mourning after the tragic passing of

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died at just 24 years old. According to Frisco Police, Kneeland’s body was found early Thursday morning following an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident occurred after a late-night police pursuit on Wednesday when Kneeland fled a traffic stop and was later discovered deceased near the Dallas Parkway.

Authorities reported that Kneeland had sent a final message to his family, saying goodbye. His girlfriend, who first contacted authorities after receiving a disturbing text from him, revealed that Kneeland had been struggling with mental health issues for several months.

The Cowboys organization released a heartfelt statement following the devastating news:

“Marshawn was a beloved member of our family — a player who gave everything to this team and those around him. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, also shared an emotional tribute:

“I watched Marshawn fight his way from a young kid with big dreams at Western Michigan into a respected NFL player. To lose someone with his heart, his energy, and his kindness — it’s a pain that’s impossible to put into words.”

Later that evening, reports confirmed that a Green Bay Packers wide receiver collapsed upon learning the news. The player, identified as Jayden Reed, was one of Kneeland’s closest friends and former teammates at Western Michigan. Witnesses say Reed fainted moments after hearing of the tragedy and was immediately tended to by Packers medical staff.

In a deeply emotional statement, Jayden Reed said:

“Marshawn wasn’t just a friend — he was my brother. We shared everything — the grind, the struggles, the dreams of making it here. I can still hear his voice pushing me to keep going. Losing him… it’s something I’ll never get over. I’ll play for him every Sunday from now on.”

Across the NFL, tributes have poured in for Marshawn Kneeland — a young man remembered for his relentless work ethic, humility, and genuine kindness. Teammates, coaches, and fans have taken to social media to share memories of a player whose spirit and warmth touched everyone he met.

Rest in peace, Marshawn Kneeland — forever remembered, forever missed.