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Western Michigan football is mourning the loss of Marshawn Kneeland. Kneeland, 24, died on Wednesday evening from a “self-inflicted gunshot wound”, per a release from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). MORE: Dallas Cowboys player with Michigan ties died from self-inflicted gunshot wound after pursuit, police say Kneeland played five seasons at Western Michigan before the Dallas Cowboys selected him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He left a large impact in Kalamazoo. “My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland,” WMU third-year head football coach Lance Taylor said via a release on Thursday morning. “Marshawn was so much more than an incredible football player –– he was a remarkable young man who meant so much to our program and to me personally. His leadership, energy, and smile were infectious, and he left a lasting impact on everyone in our program.” RECOMMENDED Dallas Cowboys player with Michigan ties died from self-inflicted gunshot wound after pursuit, police say Cowboys DL, a West Michigan native and ex-WMU star, dies at 24Dallas Cowboys player and Michigan native Marshawn Kneeland texted family goodbye, audio reveals Taylor, who coached Kneeland during his first season at Western Michigan, said that he developed a “special bond that went far beyond football” with Kneeland. “His passion for life and his teammates were unmatched,” Taylor said. “Our entire Bronco family is devastated, and we send our deepest prayers to his family, teammates and all who loved him. Marshawn will forever be part of the Bronco brotherhood.” Kneeland played five seasons at Western Michigan before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He earned second team All-Mid-American Conference honors as a senior, finishing with 57 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, eight quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles. He’d collect 149 career tackles at WMU, adding 28 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and three forced fumbles across 38 games. Before his time with the Broncos, Kneeland was an all-state defensive end and tight end at Wyoming Godwin Heights, tallying 110 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and eight sacks as a senior, while adding 20 catches for 330 yards and five TDs on offense. WMU athletic director Dan Bartholomae also released a statement via the release, stating that 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.” “Our department is heartbroken over his passing,” 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. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, as well as the close community he had in Grand Rapids, the State of Michigan, and at his new home with the Dallas Cowboys.” If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance, the following resources are available:
