Marshawn Kneeland was a promising American football defensive end who played for the Dallas Cowboys after being selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
His football journey began in Michigan and continued through Western Michigan, where he developed into one of the Mid-American Conference’s notable defensive players.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marshawn Kneeland |
| Born | July 8, 2001 |
| Birthplace | Grand Rapids, Michigan |
| Height | 6 feet 3 inches |
| Weight | Around 275 pounds |
| Position | Defensive End |
| College | Western Michigan |
| NFL Team | Dallas Cowboys |
| NFL Draft | 2024, Round 2, Pick 56 |
| Jersey Number | 94 |
| College Conference | Mid-American Conference (MAC) |
| NFL Career | 2024–2025 |
Kneeland was born on July 8, 2001, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He developed as a football player in the state before eventually joining Western Michigan’s program.
His combination of size, athleticism and versatility made him an intriguing NFL prospect. The Dallas Cowboys selected him 56th overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Western Michigan confirmed that he became the 53rd player in program history to be selected in the NFL Draft and the first Western Michigan player ever drafted by the Cowboys.
Marshawn Kneeland College Career
Kneeland spent his college career at Western Michigan, playing defensive line and defensive end. His college development was particularly notable because he became increasingly productive as he gained experience.
According to Western Michigan, Kneeland appeared in 38 career games and finished with 82 tackles, 13 sacks, 28 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles. His final college season was his strongest from a statistical standpoint, earning him Second Team All-MAC recognition.
Detailed college statistics credit him with 148 total tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss and 13.0 sacks across his listed career statistics, with slight differences in totals depending on how bowl statistics and other game classifications are counted.
2020 Season
Kneeland played five games during the 2020 season and recorded 22 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
It was an early indication of the defensive potential that would become more apparent during his later seasons.
2021 Season
In 2021, Kneeland appeared in 13 games and recorded 32 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
His increased production helped establish him as an important part of the Western Michigan defensive front.
2022 Season
Kneeland continued improving in 2022, finishing with 37 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks over nine games.
Although his sack total declined compared with the previous season, his ability to contribute against the run remained an important part of his game.
2023 Season
The 2023 season was Kneeland’s breakout year.
He recorded 57 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 10 games. Western Michigan also credited him with eight quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles.
One of his best performances came against Eastern Michigan, when he produced 11 tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks, a safety and a forced fumble that contributed to a defensive touchdown.
That performance helped demonstrate why NFL scouts were increasingly interested in him.
Marshawn Kneeland NFL Draft
The Dallas Cowboys selected Kneeland with the 56th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The selection reflected the Cowboys’ belief that his physical tools could translate to the NFL. NFL’s draft analysis highlighted his open-field agility, ability to make an initial impact against opponents and versatility as a defensive player.
The Cowboys’ official 2024 media guide described Kneeland as an athletic defensive end capable of helping against the run while also providing pass-rushing versatility from different alignments.
For Western Michigan, the selection was also significant because Kneeland became the first Bronco ever drafted by Dallas.
Marshawn Kneeland NFL Career
Kneeland spent his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys from 2024 through 2025.
He appeared in 18 regular-season games, recording 25 total tackles, 14 solo tackles, 11 assisted tackles, one sack and one pass deflection.
2024 Rookie Season
Kneeland appeared in 11 games during his rookie season.
He recorded:
- 13 total tackles
- 8 solo tackles
- 5 assisted tackles
- 1 pass deflection
He also contributed on special teams and defensive packages as he adjusted to the speed and physical demands of professional football.
Kneeland’s role was not that of an established star immediately after entering the NFL. Instead, Dallas used him as a developing defensive player who could provide versatility and depth.
2025 Season
Kneeland played seven games for the Cowboys in 2025 and recorded:
- 12 total tackles
- 6 solo tackles
- 6 assisted tackles
- 1 sack
His second NFL season ended tragically in November 2025.
One of the most memorable moments of his short professional career came against the Arizona Cardinals, when he recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown. That play became his first NFL touchdown.
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Marshawn Kneeland Career Stats
NFL Regular-Season Statistics
| Season | Team | Games | Tackles | Solo | Assists | Sacks | Pass Deflections |
| 2024 | Dallas Cowboys | 11 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 | Dallas Cowboys | 7 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Career | Dallas Cowboys | 18 | 25 | 14 | 11 | 1 | 1 |
These figures are listed by NFL’s official career statistics page.
His NFL statistics do not fully describe his value because Kneeland was also involved in special-teams work and defensive responsibilities that are not captured by basic tackle and sack totals.
Marshawn Kneeland Playing Style
Kneeland entered the NFL with a physical profile that attracted scouts. At approximately 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, he had the size to play along the defensive front while also possessing enough athleticism to pursue plays outside the immediate line of scrimmage.
His college film showed several strengths:
- Strong physical first contact
- Ability to pursue ball carriers
- Versatility along the defensive line
- Useful pass-rushing ability
- Experience defending the run
- Athleticism in open space
- Ability to contribute on special teams
NFL’s draft evaluation specifically pointed to his open-field agility and his ability to use athleticism while standing up and surveying the play.
His development was still a work in progress, however. Like many young defensive linemen, he entered the NFL needing to improve his consistency and technique against stronger professional offensive linemen.
Marshawn Kneeland Personal Life
Kneeland largely kept his personal life away from the spotlight while building his football career.
Public reporting identified Catalina Mancera as his girlfriend. The couple also had a child, according to reporting surrounding Kneeland’s death and the later release of information about his brain examination.
Because Kneeland’s professional career was short, much of the publicly available information about his personal life emerged only after his death. It is therefore important to distinguish verified information from social-media speculation.
Marshawn Kneeland Death
Kneeland died in November 2025 at the age of 24.
His death followed a police pursuit in Texas and was ruled a suicide. Because the circumstances were tragic and involved sensitive personal information, reports about his final hours should be treated carefully rather than relying on unverified social-media claims.
His death shocked the Cowboys organization, Western Michigan football community and many people who had followed his rapid rise from college football to the NFL.
Marshawn Kneeland and CTE
A major development came in July 2026, when postmortem examination of Kneeland’s brain found Stage 1 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The Boston University CTE Center diagnosed the condition after analyzing his brain tissue. Stage 1 is the earliest of the four pathological stages used to describe CTE.
CTE is associated with repetitive head impacts and has been studied extensively among athletes involved in contact sports. However, the discovery of CTE in Kneeland’s brain does not prove that CTE caused his death or directly caused his mental-health struggles. Suicide is complex, and the available evidence does not establish a single cause.
His family chose to share the diagnosis in part to increase awareness about CTE and the challenges that athletes can face.
Marshawn Kneeland’s Legacy
Kneeland’s NFL career lasted only 18 regular-season games, but his path to the league demonstrated how quickly a developing college player can rise when physical ability and production come together.
At Western Michigan, he developed from a young defensive lineman into an All-MAC performer and NFL draft selection. His 2023 season was especially important, as his 57 tackles and 4.5 sacks helped put him on the national scouting radar.
The Cowboys ultimately selected him in the second round, giving him an opportunity to establish himself at the highest level of American football.
His professional statistics were modest, but they represent only the beginning of what could have been a much longer career. Kneeland was just 24 when his life ended.
Today, his legacy is remembered through his football accomplishments, his connection to Western Michigan and Dallas, and the broader conversation surrounding player safety and repetitive head trauma in football.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Marshawn Kneeland?
Marshawn Kneeland was a professional American football defensive end who played for the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Western Michigan and was selected 56th overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
What position did Marshawn Kneeland play?
Kneeland primarily played defensive end and defensive line. His size and athleticism allowed him to contribute both as a run defender and pass rusher.
When was Marshawn Kneeland drafted?
The Dallas Cowboys selected Kneeland with the 56th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
How many NFL games did Marshawn Kneeland play?
Kneeland played in 18 regular-season NFL games for the Dallas Cowboys during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
What were Marshawn Kneeland’s NFL stats?
He finished his NFL regular-season career with 25 tackles, 14 solo tackles, 11 assists, one sack and one pass deflection.
What were Marshawn Kneeland’s college stats?
At Western Michigan, Kneeland recorded 148 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks in the detailed college statistics. Western Michigan’s own draft announcement reported 82 tackles and 13 sacks, reflecting differences in statistical accounting.
What happened to Marshawn Kneeland?
Kneeland died in November 2025 at age 24 following a police pursuit in Texas. Authorities and subsequent reporting identified the death as suicide.
Did Marshawn Kneeland have CTE?
Yes. A postmortem examination conducted by the Boston University CTE Center found Stage 1 CTE in his brain. The diagnosis was announced publicly in July 2026.
Who was Marshawn Kneeland’s girlfriend?
Public reporting identified Catalina Mancera as Kneeland’s girlfriend. Reports following his death also discussed their child and family life.
What is Marshawn Kneeland remembered for?
Kneeland is remembered as a talented Western Michigan defensive lineman who became a second-round NFL draft pick and Dallas Cowboys player. His promising career, sudden death and posthumous CTE diagnosis have also made his story part of the wider discussion about football, brain health and athlete safety.
