NFL Player From MI, Ex-WMU Football Star Dies At 24

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Grand Rapids native and former Western Michigan Broncos football star Marshawn Kneeland died Thursday, according to the team.

Kneeland was 24 years old and in his second season with the Dallas Cowboys. Before the Cowboys, he played five seasons with the Broncos, from 2019-2023.

Police responded to a "welfare concern" at his apartment Wednesday night. On Thursday, the Texas Dept of Public Safety said he was found dead of a self-inflicted wound after his vehicle was involved in a crash.

"Marshawn was a beloved member of our campus community and a proud alumnus who worked hard to earn a degree and achieve his dream of being drafted into the NFL," Western Michigan Athletics Vice President and Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae said. "While his football talents were exceptional, they came second to his kind and engaging spirit and his love for his Bronco teammates and coaches."

Kneeland has played in seven of nine games this year for the Cowboys. On Monday night, he scored his first career touchdown in the Cowboys’ 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

"It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning," the Cowboys said in a statement. "Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family."

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