Western Michigan University's football team and the Dallas Cowboys are in mourning following the death of 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland. The Broncos honored their former player on Senior Night with helmet decals, his number painted on the field, and a social media post declaring, "Playing for you Marshawn," as reported by CBS News Detroit. Kneeland, who played as a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, died by suicide last week after a police chase and crash in Dallas. The tragic event occurred days after he scored his first career touchdown in the NFL.
Details surrounding Kneeland's death emerged in a story from ESPN, highlighting the moments that led to the discovery of his body by authorities. Kneeland's agent, Perzley, received a final, affirming text from him the morning of his death. Perzley, sharing his shock and remembering Kneeland, said, "He just had this charm about him that was so pure and honest. I don't think there's a person who crossed paths with him who had a bad thing to say." Kneeland's death has sent ripples through the athletic community, where teammates, family, and friends recall his impact and charm with fondness despite the pain of their loss.
As part of the tribute to Kneeland, coach Lance Taylor described him as a young man who "left a lasting impact on everyone in our program," in a statement from CBS News Detroit. The Cowboys organization, too, intends to honor Kneeland by wearing helmet stickers with his number for the remainder of the season. During the team's upcoming games against the Raiders and the Eagles, these tributes will serve as a somber reminder of Kneeland's life and the void left in his wake.
In addition to on-field tributes, Western Michigan's Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae spoke to WOOD TV about the efforts to honor Kneeland's life, "We've got these decals that are going to be on all of our helmets, we've got his number, 99, down on the field on both sides of the field, and then we'll do a special tribute before the game, with a video tribute, to Marshawn and just a wonderful guy, a great impact on our Bronco community and somebody we're going to miss." The tributes are a testament to Kneeland's influence both on and off the field.
