The Western Michigan community is mourning the loss of one of its legends. At just 24 years old, the man who terrorized opponent offenses for the Broncos finally left this world. The officers reportedly found Marshawn Kneeland deceased on a welfare concern call. Prayers are now pouring in for him and his family.

“My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland. 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,” said Western Michigan’s head coach, Lance Taylor. Kneeland was one of the most competent Broncos, through and through.

A native of Grand Rapids, Kneeland arrived in Western Michigan in 2019 and played till the 2023 season. In that time, the defensive end established himself as one of the seasoned veterans. For instance, despite a COVID-shortened season in 2020, the guy appeared in six games and made three starts, also posting 23 tackles. From then on, Kneeland never stopped shining at Western Michigan.

By the time the 2021 season came, Kneeland was a regular starter and helped the team with an 8-win season. Posting 23 tackles and 4.5 sacks then showed his prowess yet again, and his athleticism already garnered positive NFL draft buzz. Still, the 6’3″ and 267 lbs young prodigy’s best season came in 2023, when he posted 57 tackles and accumulated 4.5 sacks. The performance also earned him a second-team All-MAC selection, sealing his legacy in WMU’s history books. But now that he has left the world, people are remembering the defensive back fondly.

Prayers pour in for Marshawn Kneeland’s family from all over the country

After concluding his 2023 season, the 2024 NFL draft buzz was at an all-time high for Kneeland. The guy was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine and showcased exceptional quality. Finally, the moment came when Kneeland’s name was called in the second round of the NFL Draft, being the 56th overall pick. It was a soothing culmination of years of hard work. But his legacy is more than that. Kneeland stayed a loyal Bronco always, despite getting multiple transfer opportunities.

“Marshawn Kneeland. Born and raised in West Michigan. Former Godwin Heights Wolverine and Western Michigan Bronco. He made it all the way to the show. And not many can say that from our part of the state. What a stunning, saddening loss. RIP,” wrote a user, remembering Kneeland on X. The DE’s journey from Grand Rapids to sealing his NFL legacy was truly inspirational, and his story would help many to follow suit.

For instance, at his High School, Kneeland was a two-way standout excelling as a linebacker and tight end. The leadership, too, was exceptional in him as he earned team captain honors in no time. With limited offers in his hands from FCS teams like Western Illinois and Grand Valley State, making the NFL never seemed easy. But Kneeland never backed down from the challenge.

“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,” said WMU’s AD, Dan Bartholomae. WMU’s senior associate Athletic Director also sent a heartfelt message. “A great person, definitely will be missed!! 🙏🏾.” Kneeland, of course, was fiercely loyal to Western Michigan.

After Kneeland’s junior season, head coach Tim Lester was fired. Naturally, the transfer portal opened up, and Kneeland was pursued by Deion Sanders’ Colorado and TCU. But those brown and gold colors were too hard to ignore, and Buster Bronco almost lived in his heart. Kneeland then rejected Colorado and stayed loyal and finally decided to stay. Not leaving a G-5 team for Power four teams just goes on to show the character Marshawn displayed, and the conference, too, is remembering that.

The Mid-American Athletic Conference posted a special X post for Kneeland, remembering his contributions. “The Mid-American Conference is heartbroken by the loss of former Western Michigan student-athlete Marshawn Kneeland,” wrote the conference. After getting selected in the Draft by the Cowboys, Kneeland had big plans for his career.

“I won’t let you down, man,” Kneeland said to Mike McCarthy at the time. Quickly, Kneeland burst onto the field in the NFL and started logging those tackles, too. For instance, just in his rookie season, Kneeland played 11 games and notched 14 tackles. The sky was always the limit for the defensive end. Now, the Dallas Cowboys are also mourning Kneeland’s loss and sent prayers to Marshawn’s girlfriend and family.

“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend, Catalina, and his family,” wrote the Cowboys’ X account. This year was going to be a breakthrough for Kneeland since he had already notched 12 tackles and had appeared in 7 games so far.

But even in Kneeland’s short NFL career, his contributions to college football will be remembered for decades. Not just that, the Grand Rapids native will always be a hero for his community, achieving what many couldn’t at such a young age. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kneeland’s family as they find strength to cope with Marshawn’s loss. It’s like how a user wrote on X, “RIP, Marshawn Kneeland.“