Marshawn Kneeland death: Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor releases statement on former Broncos, Dallas Cowboys standout

The death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has rocked the sports world on Thursday. And parties across the country who knew the 24-year-old were reaching out to express their grief throughout the day.

That number included the coach and athletics director at Western Michigan, where Kneeland played his college ball. Coach Lance Taylor chimed in with a statement provided to journalist Andrew Graham.

“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,” Taylor said. “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. His passion for life and his teammates were unmatched. Our entire Bronco Football family is devastated, and we send our deepest prayers to his family, teammates, and all who loved him. Marshawn will forever be a part of the Bronco brotherhood.”

Marshawn Kneeland was reportedly found dead with a gunshot wound following a brief police pursuit that ended when police lost sight of Kneeland’s vehicle, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. He was later found dead in the immediate area of his abandoned vehicle.

Police had initially been dispatched to respond to “a welfare concern” at Marshawn Kneeland’s residence around 11:40 p.m. CT on Wednesday, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. They did not make contact with anyone there.

Rumors of Kneeland’s death began circulating on social media in the early hours of Thursday. The Dallas Cowboys confirmed his death with a statement Thursday morning.

Those at Western Michigan, where Kneeland played as recently as 2023 before becoming a second-round NFL Draft pick, reacted to his death. Athletics director Dan Bartholomae also provided a response to Graham.

“Our department is heartbroken over the passing of Marshawn Kneeland,” Bartholomae wrote. “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.

“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.”