LAMAMIMET

Marshawn Kneeland was born on July 8, 2001, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, where he played linebacker and tight end. A standout player, he committed to Western Michigan University, where he played college football from 2019 to 2023. During his collegiate career, he earned second-team All-Mid-American Conference honors in 2023 after recording 149 tackles and 12.5 sacks.

Kneeland was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys as the 56th overall pick. In his rookie season, he appeared in 11 games, starting one, and recorded 17 tackles, 13 quarterback pressures, one pass breakup, and one fumble recovery. He suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for five weeks. In his second season, he played in seven games before his untimely death, posting 12 tackles, one sack, and three quarterback pressures.

Off the field, Kneeland faced personal challenges. His mother died unexpectedly in February 2024, and he carried her ashes with him at all times. His girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, was pregnant at the time of his death. On November 6, 2025, Kneeland died by suicide at age 24 in Frisco, Texas, following a high-speed police chase. Authorities said he had a history of mental illness and was armed at the time. His death was ruled a suicide by local authorities.

In July 2026, the Concussion and CTE Foundation announced that Kneeland had been diagnosed posthumously with Stage 1 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head impacts. His family released a statement highlighting the importance of raising awareness about the mental health struggles that NFL athletes may face. Kneeland is survived by his girlfriend and their son, born in June 2026.