Family tragedy preceded Marshawn Kneeland’s devastating death on Thursday.

The Cowboys defensive lineman lost his mother, Wendy, to an accidental overdose less than two years before he took his own life at just 24 years old.

Kneeland, who died by suicide on Wednesday night after a police chase in Texas, reportedly spoke at her wake in March of last year.

Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died by suicide in November 2025. AP

“It’s crazy, growing up she was always there for me, always going to all my games, always there for me,” Kneeland said during the congregation, via The Daily Mail . “It’s definitely tough, you just never expect something like this. She would always help me with just life in general.

“She was basically there for me for everything. If I could go back in ti

See Full Page