Who Is 94 on the Cowboys? Marshawn Kneeland’s Tragic November 6 Passing Shocks the NFL

Number 94 on the Dallas Cowboys was Marshawn Kneeland, a promising defensive end whose life ended tragically on November 6, 2025, at just 24 years old. The NFL community has honored his memory with heartfelt tributes as the team continues grieving one of its rising stars.

Who Was Marshawn Kneeland at Number 94?

Marshawn Kneeland wore the number 94 jersey as a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys. At 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 268 pounds, he was a physically imposing defender who seemed poised for success in the NFL.

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kneeland attended Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, where he played linebacker and tight end. During his senior year, he recorded 110 tackles and 8 sacks on defense while catching 20 receptions for 330 yards and 5 touchdowns on offense, earning him a scholarship to play college football.

He went on to play for the Western Michigan Broncos from 2019 to 2023, where he recorded 149 tackles and 12.5 sacks during his college career. In 2023, he earned Second-team All-MAC selection honors, demonstrating the potential that caught the Cowboys’ attention in the draft.

His Brief NFL Journey and Final Achievement

The Dallas Cowboys selected Kneeland in the 2024 NFL Draft, making him a second-round pick at 56th overall. During his rookie season in 2024, he appeared in 11 games and recorded 14 tackles, but suffered a right knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery.

The 2025 season appeared to mark a turning point for the young defensive end. Head Coach Mike Schottenheimer identified Kneeland as a potential breakout star during training camp. Most notably, on Monday Night Football on November 4, 2025, against the Arizona Cardinals, Kneeland achieved a career milestone by scoring his first NFL touchdown after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone. Tragically, he would pass away just two days later, making this his only touchdown in professional football.

The Tragic Events of November 6, 2025

Event Details	Information
Date of Death	November 6, 2025 (early morning)
Location	Frisco, Texas (suburban Dallas)
Police Chase Speed	Exceeded 145 mph (some reports indicated 160 mph)
Cause of Death	Apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound
Investigation Status	Texas authorities investigating as potential suicide

In the early morning hours of November 6, 2025, Kneeland was involved in a high-speed police pursuit after he failed to stop for a traffic violation in the Dallas North area. The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that the chase reached speeds exceeding 145 miles per hour, after which officers lost sight of his vehicle. His vehicle was abandoned following a crash in Frisco, Texas.

According to police reports, Kneeland’s girlfriend Catalina Mancera informed authorities that he was armed and had a history of mental health concerns. When officers responded to a welfare concern at his apartment complex, nobody was home. He was later found deceased near his abandoned vehicle from what authorities described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

How the Cowboys Have Honored Marshawn Kneeland’s Memory

The Dallas Cowboys have implemented multiple meaningful tributes to honor their fallen teammate. Beginning with the team’s first game following Kneeland’s death on November 17, 2025, against the Las Vegas Raiders, the entire Cowboys roster wore #94 helmet decals designed by teammates themselves.

“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys announce the passing of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland,” the team stated.

— Dallas Cowboys Organization, Official Statement

Beyond helmet decals, the Cowboys have taken additional steps to support Kneeland’s family. The organization established a memorial fund to benefit his unborn child with Mancera, and his jersey was displayed in a makeshift memorial at the team’s practice facility, the Star, adorned with flowers and cards from teammates and staff. Players also wore special warm-up t-shirts bearing Kneeland’s image and number during the 2025 season.

Additionally, Western Michigan University, where Kneeland played his college football, held its own tribute during a Tuesday game shortly after his passing. The university also mourned the loss of one of their standout defensive linemen who earned 148 total tackles with 13.5 sacks during his time with the Broncos.

What Does Marshawn Kneeland’s Legacy Mean for Mental Health Awareness in the NFL?

Kneeland’s death has renewed focus on mental health support within professional sports. Records later revealed that Western Michigan University police conducted at least two welfare checks on Kneeland while he was in college, with concerns noted regarding his mental well-being and access to firearms.

Despite achieving his NFL dream after years of hard work, Kneeland carried personal pain that ultimately overwhelmed him. He habitually carried his mother’s ashes in a necklace after she died unexpectedly in February 2024, just two months before he was drafted by Dallas. The loss of his mother profoundly affected him during the critical period of his professional transition.

His passing underscores the importance of robust mental health resources and interventions for professional athletes at all levels, particularly young players navigating the pressures of the NFL while managing significant personal losses and psychological challenges.