ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions brought Marshawn Kneeland in for a top-30 visit ahead of the 2024 NFL draft, and they remember him as a “special kid.”
Kneeland died overnight after a police chase ended with what authorities are calling a “self-inflicted gunshot wound.” The former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman and Western Michigan University standout was found dead around 1:31 a.m. Thursday, after fleeing from his vehicle, per police.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team 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.”
The Grand Rapids native was a second-round pick by the Cowboys in 2024. Kneeland scored a touchdown earlier this week when he returned a blocked field goal against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night.
Kneeland visited with the Lions on an official top-30 visit heading into the draft last year. He was a local talent and Michigan native, but his ability to stop the run and rush the passer, paired with his sturdy frame, made him someone to watch as they looked to remake their defensive line.
Kelvin Sheppard, the team’s defensive coordinator, was there for that meeting in Allen Park. He heard the news just before speaking with reporters on Thursday morning, but shared some thoughts on the person and his death.
“Special kid, man. That’s very unfortunate,” Sheppard said. “I have no idea about the details of anything, but I just remember it was something about that kid, a special kid. I think he had something with his upbringing. I don’t want to misspeak obviously on something, but I know he had dealt with something coming up through adversity and things like that.
“But whether you deal with anything or you live a joyous life your whole life, you never want to see a kid, I believe, at the age of 24 to pass away. So my condolences to his family, loved ones and everybody involved.”
Kneeland was a five-year contributor for Western Michigan from 2019 to 20223. He posted 25 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks across his final three seasons in Kalamazoo, cementing his status as a legit draft prospect. Through two seasons with the Cowboys, Kneeland had one sack and five tackles for loss in 18 games and four starts.
Before landing at Western Michigan, Kneeland starred for Godwin Heights High School in Grand Rapids. He played tight end and linebacker in high school and was a dominant, physical presence on both sides of the ball for Godwin Heights.
“My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland,” Western Michigan football coach Lance Taylor said in a statement. “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. Having coached him during my first season here, we developed a special bond that went far beyond football.”
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