Marshawn Kneeland’s Parents & Family: Cowboys DE Survived by Father, Siblings

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The Dallas Cowboys announced the tragic death of Marshawn Kneeland.

The sad end of Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland is, it turns out, part of a wider tragedy that has weighed down his family for more than a year. Kneeland, according to reports, took his own life this week at age 24, after what was described in a police radio call as a history of mental health issues.

Throughout Kneeland’s short life, though, he always remained firmly tethered to his roots in Western Michigan, where he grew up and attended high school, at Godwin Heights HS in Wyoming, Michigan. He was a star football and basketball player for the Wolverines, and set a school record for sacks and tackles. He was also a track star, winning the regional championship in the 400-meter dash.

Kneeland was considered a 2-star recruit, though, and could not drum up much interest from top-tier programs coming out of high school. He wound up at Western Michigan, one of the few schools to offer him a scholarship. Kneeland nearly left WMU for coach Deion Sanders and Colorado in the transfer portal, but ultimately reneged on that commitment and remained in Kalamazoo.

Marshawn Kneeland’s Girlfriend Reportedly Is an Entrepreneur

Kneeland was known to be in a relationship with his girlfriend, whom the Cowboys referred to as Catalina in a statement announcing his death, and who is reported to be Catalina Mancera, who owns a custom NFL clothing business called, SZN Stitches.

It was his girlfriend who, in police dispatch audio released by TMZ Sports, alerted police (as did a representative of the NFL) that Kneeland was armed and that she was worried about his mental well-being.

During the call, the operator can be heard to say that the subject–Kneeland–was “texting his family goodbye.”

Cowboys Draftee Had Just Lost His Mother

Kneeland was the son of Shawn and Wendy Kneeland. He leaves behind his father, as well as grandparents.

His mother, though, died a year ago of an undisclosed cause. That tragedy stung Kneeland deeply, and came just days before the start of the NFL draft combine, where he would make or break his draft stock. Kneeland described his mother as the one who fueled his desire to play football and ultimately reach the NFL.

After her death, he began wearing a small urn on a necklace, containing some of Wendy’s ashes.

He told the Dallas Morning News: “She helped me a lot in my younger years getting into football. I always had the dream. I always told her, ‘I’m going to the NFL’ and I made it. It’s a hard situation just knowing she got to see me potentially going to the NFL and going through [the process]. She’s still with me. I got this urn of her ashes I carry with me everywhere. I still feel like she’s there watching over me.”

Marshawn Kneeland Family Included 3 Siblings

According to Western Michigan, Kneeland also has three siblings: AJ, Shawn Micheal and Yahmya.

A family statement was posted to the Facebook page of digital content creator AJ Kneeland of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Shawn Kneeland and Yahmya Kneeland.  On Marshawn Kneeland’s Facebook page, his “Intro” line reads, “Wmu Alum🏈 #94 Making my family proud💯 NFL🏈🤫💯.”

The statement read: “The Kneeland family can confirm the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Marshawn Kneeland.

“We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief. As Marshawn was making his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field — as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend. He was kind, determined, humble, and full of love. His light shone brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired.

“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, fans, and the community. During this difficult time, we ask for privacy as we come together as a family to honor and remember Marshawn’s life and legacy.

BREAKING: Jonathan Taylor’s Shocking Louis Store Snub: NFL Star Turned Away for Casual Look

In an unbelievable turn of events, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was recently denied entry into a prestigious Louis store for being "too casually dressed." But when store employees discovered they had just turned away the NFL star, they were left utterly speechless. Taylor had been trying to buy a special gift for his family. Despite being a talented and promising player in the NFL, the store’s staff failed to recognize him and made a snap judgment based solely on his appearance.

Jonathan Taylor, known for his explosive power and agility, encountered an unexpected situation when he tried to enter a luxury Louis store in Indianapolis. Dressed casually, Taylor was told that his outfit didn’t meet the store’s dress code. The employees, unaware of his identity, quickly denied him entry. It wasn’t until later that they realized they had just turned away one of the NFL’s rising stars.

Instead of reacting with frustration or anger, Taylor handled the situation with grace. He simply walked away, unaffected by the judgment. “It’s not about what you wear; it’s about who you are and how you carry yourself,” Taylor said after the incident. His calm response further reinforced his reputation as a composed and focused athlete, someone who doesn’t let superficial judgments affect him.

The incident quickly went viral, with fans and analysts alike expressing disbelief at how easily judgments were made based on his casual outfit. Taylor's response highlights the importance of not defining someone by their clothing, especially when that person’s worth comes from their actions and accomplishments.

The NFL community rallied behind Jonathan Taylor, condemning the actions of the Louis store and praising Taylor for his dignified response. This incident serves as a reminder that no one should be judged solely based on their appearance. For Taylor, his worth and success are defined by his leadership on the field and his relentless pursuit of excellence, not his wardrobe.

For Jonathan Taylor, the true measure of success will always be on the field—and that’s what truly defines him.

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