🔥 “My Son’s Legacy Will Live On”: Marshawn Kneeland’s Father Donates Entire Remaining Salary to Launch Mental Health Foundation for Youth

Dallas, TX — November 7, 2025

The Dallas Cowboys community is still grappling with the shocking loss of Marshawn Kneeland, the team’s promising second-year defensive end, who tragically passed away at just 24 years old. But amid this heartbreak, one act of profound love and purpose has touched millions nationwide: Kneeland’s father, Shawn, has donated his son’s entire remaining NFL salary to create a mental health foundation for youth.

Under the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Cowboys were obligated to pay the remainder of Kneeland’s contract — approximately $5.63 million, in addition to the $4.01 million signing bonus already received. Instead of keeping it, Shawn Kneeland chose to dedicate the full amount to establish the Marshawn Kneeland Mental Health Foundation, aimed at supporting young people struggling with depression, anxiety, and emotional crises.

“My son is gone — money doesn’t mean anything to me anymore,” Shawn Kneeland said during a Thursday press conference at his Plano home. “I want my son’s name to stand for hope, not tragedy. This foundation is how I’ll keep his legacy alive — and help save other kids before it’s too late.”

The circumstances of Kneeland’s passing were tragic. On the night of November 5, 2025, police attempted to stop a speeding vehicle on the Dallas North Tollway. Kneeland, the driver, did not pull over, leading to a brief pursuit. The vehicle was later found crashed along Dallas Parkway, and Kneeland was discovered deceased from a self-inflicted wound, pronounced dead at the scene.

Just two days prior, Kneeland had scored the first touchdown of his NFL career, recovering a blocked punt against the Arizona Cardinals — a moment now standing as his final highlight on the field.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed the team’s grief and admiration:

“Marshawn embodied what it means to be a Cowboy — tough, humble, and committed. His light was taken far too soon, but his legacy will endure.”

Teammates remembered him as “a gentle soul with endless energy,” someone who “showed up first, left last, and never stopped smiling.” Even in his brief NFL career, Kneeland made an impression not only for his talent but for his humility, dedication, and leadership.

The Marshawn Kneeland Mental Health Foundation will partner with schools and youth organizations across Texas to fund counseling services, crisis hotlines, and awareness programs focused on mental health. The Dallas Cowboys have also pledged an additional $1 million to support the initiative.

“If even one kid finds hope because of Marshawn’s name,” Shawn said tearfully, “then my son’s story won’t end in pain — it’ll begin with purpose.”

In addition to this philanthropic effort, the Cowboys have announced they will retire Kneeland’s No. 94 jersey in a memorial ceremony at AT&T Stadium next week — a permanent tribute to a player whose time was far too short, yet whose impact will forever remain part of the team’s history.

Born in Wyoming, Michigan, Kneeland rose from an overlooked high school prospect to a standout defender at Western Michigan before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. In just over a year in the league, he left an indelible mark through his talent, character, and commitment to his teammates.

Even in death, Marshawn Kneeland continues to inspire and lead, now through a father’s love and a foundation that will help countless young lives. His story, though tragically cut short, has become a beacon of hope and purpose.

💙 Rest in peace, Marshawn Kneeland — forever a Cowboy. Through the Marshawn Kneeland Mental Health Foundation, your legacy will continue to heal and uplift others.

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