He made it to the NFL — just like he promised his mom. But heartbreak came before the dream could fully unfold.
When Marshawn Kneeland was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, it wasn’t just a victory. It was a tribute to his late mother, Wendy, who had passed away only weeks earlier. “I always told her, ‘I’m going to the NFL,’” he once said. “And I made it.”
To keep her close, Marshawn wore a tiny silver urn around his neck, holding some of her ashes. “She’s still with me,” he said softly. “I carry her everywhere.” Wendy had been his biggest supporter — driving him to games, cheering from the stands, and believing when few others did.
From a modest high school in Michigan to Western Michigan University, Marshawn’s path was built on grit. He earned every inch of his success, becoming a standout defensive end before the Cowboys drafted him. But just months after scoring his first NFL touchdown, tragedy struck again.
The 24-year-old athlete was found dead in Frisco, Texas, on November 6, 2025 — an apparent suicide that left teammates, coaches, and fans in mourning.
“Marshawn was more than a great player,” said his coach. “He was pure heart, discipline, and joy.”
Sometimes, even the strongest souls carry battles we can’t see. 💔
