Marshawn Kneeland: Career, NFL Journey, and Life

His football journey included a standout career at Western Michigan, an encouraging start in the NFL, and a life remembered by teammates, coaches, family, and the communities he represented.

Category	Details
Full name	Marshawn Kneeland
Position	Defensive end
College	Western Michigan
NFL team	Dallas Cowboys
NFL Draft	2024
Draft selection	Round 2, No. 56 overall
College conference	Mid-American Conference
College career	2019–2023
College degree	Sports Management
High school	Godwin Heights High School
NFL jersey	No. 94

Kneeland developed into a powerful defensive line prospect after beginning his football development at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan. He earned first-team All-State recognition as a senior and eventually continued his career at Western Michigan University.

His path to the NFL was not simply the result of physical ability. Coaches at Western Michigan repeatedly pointed to his preparation, work ethic, curiosity, and willingness to study film as characteristics that helped separate him from other players.

Life and High School Football

Kneeland grew up in Michigan and attended Godwin Heights High School. His high school career established the foundation for the defensive identity that later became a major part of his college and professional scouting profile.

He was recognized as a first-team All-State player during his senior season and received honorable mention recognition as a junior. His development also included changes in position as his body and playing style evolved.

Kneeland later explained that he had initially played safety before moving closer to the line of scrimmage. That transition helped shape the aggressive, effort-driven style that eventually attracted NFL scouts.

His movement from the secondary toward the defensive line is an important part of understanding his development. Rather than entering college as a finished defensive end, Kneeland continued learning how to use his size, leverage, speed, and strength against offensive linemen.

Western Michigan Career

Kneeland played college football for the Western Michigan Broncos from 2019 through 2023. He ultimately became one of the program’s most productive defensive players during his time in Kalamazoo.

According to Western Michigan, Kneeland appeared in 36 games and made 21 starts. He finished his college career with 148 total tackles and 13.5 sacks.

His best statistical season came in 2023. He recorded 57 tackles and 4.5 sacks while earning Second-Team All-MAC recognition. He also produced 7.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and eight quarterback hurries that season.

Those numbers helped establish him as a legitimate NFL prospect despite playing outside the Power Four conference structure.

A Reputation for Preparation

One of the most consistent themes in reports about Kneeland was his work ethic.

Western Michigan defensive line coach David Denham described a player who routinely arrived at the facility early to prepare his body and then returned after classes to study film. Kneeland was reportedly interested in understanding offensive tackles, their tendencies, and the technical details that could help him win individual matchups.

That preparation became particularly valuable as he approached the NFL Draft. His physical tools attracted attention, but his willingness to learn helped strengthen the case for him as a professional prospect.

Marshawn Kneeland’s Playing Style

Kneeland entered the NFL as a defensive end with a physical style built around power, effort, and the ability to attack the line of scrimmage.

At approximately 6-foot-3 and 267 pounds during the draft process, he possessed the frame NFL teams look for in an edge defender. Dallas viewed him as a player who could contribute against the run while developing his pass-rushing ability.

His game was not based solely on explosive athleticism. Kneeland’s persistence was one of his defining traits. Cowboys coaches and scouts repeatedly highlighted his ability to continue pursuing plays rather than giving up when the initial rush did not succeed.

That mentality mattered because defensive ends frequently need to create pressure through multiple efforts. A rusher may lose the first contact but still have an opportunity to make a tackle or disrupt a play if he continues pursuing the ball.

Kneeland’s physical development also allowed him to become more effective against the run. His college experience gave him a strong foundation, while the NFL environment offered opportunities to improve his hand technique and pass-rushing repertoire.

2024 NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys selected Kneeland with the 56th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The selection was significant because Dallas chose a defensive end after addressing offensive tackle in the first round. The Cowboys believed Kneeland could add depth and physicality to their defensive front while also contributing on special teams.

Dallas identified several qualities that made Kneeland attractive. He was a Second-Team All-MAC selection, had experience transitioning between positions, and had demonstrated strong production and effort at Western Michigan.

The Cowboys also viewed his run defense as an asset. His ability to set the edge and make plays behind the line of scrimmage gave him a pathway to earning snaps even while developing as a pass rusher.

Joining the Dallas Cowboys

Being drafted by Dallas turned Kneeland’s college dream into an NFL opportunity.

He officially agreed to his rookie contract with the Cowboys in June 2024. The agreement allowed him to enter training camp and compete for a role on the team’s defensive line.

The Cowboys gave him jersey No. 94, and the rookie quickly attracted attention during offseason practices and training camp.

Rather than treating the transition to professional football as something that would happen automatically, Kneeland approached it as another stage of his development.

Rookie Season With Dallas

Kneeland’s first NFL season showed both his potential and the challenges that come with transitioning from college football to the professional level.

Dallas coaches praised his work ethic and physical ability during his first training camp. One report from the Cowboys described him as an especially dedicated player who was willing to study film even on an off day.

His development was interrupted by a knee injury during his rookie season. The injury required arthroscopic surgery and cost him several games, slowing his progress at an important point in his first professional campaign.

Despite that setback, the Cowboys continued to view him as a promising young defensive player.

Breakthrough in His Second Training Camp

Kneeland returned to the Cowboys’ 2025 training camp with an opportunity to build on his rookie experience.

Dallas reported that he was among the standout players during camp. He demonstrated improvement against both the run and pass and made several notable plays during practices, including an interception and repeated pressure on the quarterback.

The change was important because defensive linemen often need time to adjust to the speed and technical demands of the NFL.

Kneeland’s second training camp suggested that the experience gained during his rookie season was beginning to translate into greater confidence and consistency.

His development was particularly notable because the Cowboys had selected him not simply as a finished product, but as a player with physical traits and a work ethic that could allow him to grow into a larger role.

NFL Career and Impact

Kneeland’s professional career was brief, but his path from Western Michigan to the second round of the NFL Draft represented a major achievement.

He went from being a Michigan high school prospect to a college defensive standout and eventually an NFL draft selection. The progression demonstrated the value of sustained development rather than immediate stardom.

His career also showed how much teams value traits beyond statistics. His college production was strong, but Dallas also emphasized his preparation, toughness, physicality, and willingness to learn.

For young players attempting to reach the NFL, Kneeland’s development provides an example of how position changes and continued technical improvement can become advantages rather than obstacles.

Education and Life Outside Football

Kneeland also completed his education while playing college football.

Western Michigan confirmed that he earned a degree in Sports Management in 2023.

That achievement is significant because college football requires athletes to balance demanding training schedules, travel, competition, and academic responsibilities.

His time at Western Michigan was therefore more than a football development period. He graduated from the university before beginning his professional career, leaving the program as both an NFL prospect and an alumnus.

Marshawn Kneeland’s Legacy

Kneeland’s legacy is connected to several stages of his life: Michigan high school football, Western Michigan, and the Dallas Cowboys.

At Western Michigan, he became a productive defensive end and earned All-MAC recognition. The university also remembered him for qualities beyond his statistics, including his personality, leadership, energy, and relationships with teammates and coaches.

At Dallas, he was still in the early stages of establishing himself as an NFL player. Coaches saw considerable potential and praised the effort he brought to practices and preparation.

His story therefore cannot be reduced to draft position or career statistics. The people who coached him emphasized the same qualities throughout his progression: preparation, determination, competitiveness, and a willingness to improve.

What Made Marshawn Kneeland a Notable NFL Prospect?

Several factors contributed to Kneeland becoming a second-round NFL draft pick.

Physical profile: His size and strength gave him the frame to compete as an NFL defensive end.

Production: He finished his Western Michigan career with 148 tackles and 13.5 sacks, including 57 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2023.

Run defense: Dallas viewed his ability to defend the edge and disrupt running plays as an important part of his potential.

Motor: His relentless effort was repeatedly highlighted by Cowboys personnel.

Football intelligence: His willingness to study film and learn offensive tendencies stood out to his college coaches.

Position versatility and development: Kneeland had experience moving through different positions before settling at defensive end, demonstrating his ability to adapt.

Marshawn Kneeland’s Final Chapter

Kneeland died in November 2025 at the age of 24. Western Michigan confirmed his passing on November 6, 2025, describing him as a standout defensive end and a beloved member of the university community.

His death brought renewed attention to a young football career that had been progressing rapidly. Only a relatively short time had passed between his final college season, his selection by Dallas, and his emergence as a promising young NFL player.

For the people who knew him personally, however, his identity extended well beyond football. Western Michigan’s tribute emphasized his relationships with teammates and coaches, his personality, and the impact he had on the people around him.

Kneeland’s football journey ultimately lasted only a few years at the highest levels, but it contained many of the milestones young athletes work toward: becoming an All-State high school player, earning a college scholarship, developing into an All-Conference defensive end, graduating from college, being selected in the second round of the NFL Draft, and reaching the Dallas Cowboys.

His story remains a reminder that an athlete’s career is measured not only by statistics or seasons played, but also by the people influenced along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Marshawn Kneeland?

Marshawn Kneeland was a defensive end who played college football at Western Michigan before being selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

When was Marshawn Kneeland drafted?

The Dallas Cowboys selected Kneeland with the 56th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

What college did Marshawn Kneeland attend?

Kneeland attended Western Michigan University, where he played for the Broncos from 2019 through 2023. He graduated with a degree in Sports Management in 2023.

What position did Marshawn Kneeland play?

Kneeland played defensive end. Before settling at that position, he had experience at other positions during his development, including tight end and linebacker.

What were Marshawn Kneeland’s college statistics?

He played 36 games at Western Michigan, starting 21, and finished with 148 total tackles and 13.5 sacks. His 2023 season included 57 tackles and 4.5 sacks.

What was Marshawn Kneeland known for?

Kneeland was particularly known for his physical playing style, relentless effort, preparation, and willingness to study film. Those characteristics were repeatedly praised by Western Michigan and Dallas Cowboys coaches.

Did Marshawn Kneeland graduate from college?

Yes. Western Michigan confirmed that Kneeland earned a Sports Management degree in 2023 before entering the NFL Draft.

What team drafted Marshawn Kneeland?

The Dallas Cowboys drafted Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 56th overall selection.