Many fans search for marshawn kneeland cause of death after the shocking news hit in November 2025. This young Dallas Cowboys player, full of promise, left everyone stunned. His story mixes gridiron glory with deep pain. We dive into facts from police reports, team tributes, and family words. Read on for a clear look at his life and what happened that night.
Early Life and High School Roots
Marshawn Kneeland grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born on July 8, 2001, he chased football dreams from kid days. His grandma called him her “baby giant.” He shone at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan.
There, he played linebacker and tight end. As a senior, he made 110 tackles, eight sacks, 20 catches for 330 yards, and five touchdowns. Scouts noticed his speed and power. He set school records for tackles and sacks. All-state first team honors came his way.
Family shaped him. Parents Shawn and Wendy Kneeland raised him with siblings AJ, Shawn Michael, and Yahmya. Wendy passed in February 2024 from illness, just before his NFL draft. Marshawn wore her ashes in a necklace during games. Cousin Mike Brown plays for the Titans. These ties fueled his drive.
Key high school stats:
- Tackles: 110 (senior year)
- Sacks: 8
- Receptions: 20 for 330 yards
- Touchdowns: 5
He committed to Western Michigan in 2019. Hard work beat low recruiting buzz.
College Days at Western Michigan
At Western Michigan Broncos, Marshawn Kneeland built his name. From 2019 to 2023, he played defensive end. He entered the transfer portal in 2022, tried Colorado, but returned home.
In 2023, he earned second-team All-Mid-American Conference honors. Career totals: 149 tackles, 12.5 sacks, three pass deflections, three forced fumbles. Standout game: 11 tackles, four for loss, three sacks vs. Eastern Michigan. MAC West Defensive Player of the Week.
College highlights:
- 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks in 2023
- 37 tackles, 10 for loss in 2022
- First touchdown: 1-yard run vs. St. Francis
NFL Combine invite followed. At 6’3″, 267 lbs, he ran 4.75-second 40-yard dash, 35.5-inch vertical. These numbers caught Dallas eyes.
For more on his gridiron path, check his full bio.
NFL Journey with Dallas Cowboys
Drafted 56th overall, second round, 2024 NFL Draft by Cowboys. Signed as defensive end No. 94. Rookie year: 11 games, 14 tackles (9 solo), one fumble recovery. Knee injury from sacking Justin Fields needed surgery, but he bounced back.
2025 season: 7 games, 3 starts, 12 tackles (6 solo), 1 sack, 1 pass deflection. Highlight: First NFL touchdown November 3 vs. Arizona Cardinals – recovered blocked punt in end zone. Training camp buzz called him breakout star after picking Dak Prescott.
Career NFL stats:
- Games: 18 (4 starts)
- Tackles: 26 (15 solo)
- Sacks: 1
- TD: 1
Cowboys saw him as “beloved teammate.” Owner Jerry Jones said, “Devastated… he was just getting started.” Teammates like Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons mourned deep.
Details from NY Times Athletic report show his rising role near The Star facility.
The Night of November 5-6, 2025: What Led to Marshawn Kneeland Cause of Death
Searches for marshawn kneeland cause of death spike from this tragic chain. Around 10:33 p.m. November 5, Texas DPS trooper spots Dodge Charger on Dallas North Tollway. Speeds over 145 mph, up to 160 mph per body cam. Unsafe lane changes, ignores lights at intersection.
Chase ends when trooper loses sight. Surveillance shows crash at 10:40 p.m. southbound Dallas Parkway into truck near Warren Parkway. Driver: “He hit me out of nowhere… tried to get over, but he just hit and ran.”
Kneeland flees on foot. Empty holster in car. Search: 10+ troopers, K-9, drone near Cowboys’ The Star – woods, lots, garages, office park. Girlfriend Catalina Mancera, pregnant, detained briefly. She confirms his phone; he sends “Goodbye” texts to family and group chat ~11:45 p.m.
Cowboys security director Cable Johnson requests welfare check – texts say “didn’t want to go to jail.” History of mental health struggles noted, including Western Michigan welfare checks back to 2020 where he eyed train tracks.
1:20 a.m. November 6: Drone spots blood from portable restroom; thermal shows heat. 1:31 a.m.: Found dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. No truck driver hurt.
Frisco PD criminal probe ongoing. Collin County autopsy November 18, results withheld. Ruled suicide investigation.
Body cam quotes:
- Officer: “When I heard who it was, I was like ‘Nah.’”
- “This just became national news.”
- “Oh that’s not good” (goodbye texts).
Official Marshawn Kneeland Cause of Death Ruling
Marshawn kneeland cause of death: Self-inflicted gunshot wound, per DPS, Frisco PD, ESPN reports. Mental illness history flagged by girlfriend: “Would end it all.” Prior WMU incidents: 2020 suicidal thoughts.
No indictment yet. Texas AG reviews records release.
Mental Health Struggles and Prior Signs
Kneeland faced pain. Mother’s death hit hard months pre-draft. WMU police twice checked welfare – 2020 report: “Sitting across tracks hoping train ends it.”
ESPN notes friends knew tight circle, but signs hid deep hurt. NFL tributes highlight this.
Teammate Solomon Thomas lost sister to suicide; Dak Prescott brother. They push awareness.
Signs from night:
- High-risk drive
- Goodbye texts
- Armed warnings
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer: “Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund” aids pregnant Mancera, baby “for rest of lives.”
Mancera post: “My sweet boy is gone… love you forever my sweet angel.”
NFL and Cowboys Response
League-wide moments of silence. Cowboys helmet decals No. 94 vs. Raiders November 17. Win dedicated: “Not done honoring him.”
Jerry Jones: “Share the sorrow… live life fullest.”
Prescott: “Hurts for family, teammates.”
First practice post-death: Share stories, laugh, cry.
Family’s Heartbreak and Legacy
Family statement: “Devastated… processing grief.” Siblings AJ, Shawn Michael, Yahmya grieve.
Cousin Nicole: “NFL all he wanted.”
Fund at laaster.co.uk supports causes he loved – check for updates.
Legacy: From Michigan fields to NFL promise. Stats show talent; story urges mental health talks.
Mental health tips:
- Call 988 Suicide Lifeline
- Talk to trusted ones
- Seek NFL resources
Understanding Marshawn Kneeland Cause of Death in Context
FAQs
What is the exact marshawn kneeland cause of death? Apparent self-inflicted gunshot after chase and crash.
Was alcohol or drugs involved? No reports confirm; investigation ongoing.
Did Cowboys know his struggles? Welfare check requested night of.
How to honor him? Support memorial fund, wear awareness.
Prior mental health history? Yes, college welfare checks, family aware.
Conclusion: Reflecting on Marshawn Kneeland Cause of Death
The marshawn kneeland cause of death – self-inflicted gunshot amid crisis – ends a bright path too soon. From high school star to Cowboys contributor, he inspired. Yet, pain from loss and pressure won that night. His story pushes us: Check on mates, break silence.
NFL evolves with better support. Fans, remember his tackles, TD joy.
What steps will you take for mental health awareness in your circle?
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References
- NY Times Athletic: Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland death crash details – Timeline, videos.
- Wikipedia: Marshawn Kneeland – Bio, stats, death summary.
- ESPN reports (e.g., friends/family reel, WMU checks) – Mental health context.
- Pro-Football-Reference, WMU Athletics – Career numbers.
- Frisco PD, DPS releases – Official cause.