Imagine scoring your first NFL touchdown under the bright lights of Monday Night Football—a moment that dreams are made of. That’s exactly what happened to Marshawn Kneeland, a West Michigan native and Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman, who turned a chaotic play into a historic highlight. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it sheer athleticism or a stroke of luck that put Kneeland in the right place at the right time? Let’s dive into the details.
On a pivotal play during the second quarter, with the Cowboys trailing the Arizona Cardinals 10-0, Dallas’ defense brought the heat. Sam Williams blocked a punt, sending the ball careening 36 yards backward into the end zone. Kneeland, a towering 6-foot-3, 270-pound force, outpaced everyone to secure the ball, scoring his first NFL touchdown. It was a moment that not only electrified the national audience but also echoed his college glory days at Western Michigan University, where he last scored on a 1-yard rush in 2023.
And this is the part most people miss: Despite Kneeland’s heroics, the Cowboys ultimately fell to the Cardinals, 27-17, dropping their record to 3-5-1. Yet, this play wasn’t just a fleeting highlight—it was a testament to Kneeland’s growing impact in the league. In his nine games this season as a reserve lineman, he’s racked up 12 tackles, a sack, and now, a defensive touchdown. Compare that to his rookie year in 2024, where he tallied 13 tackles, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery in 11 games. The trajectory is clear: Kneeland is a rising star.
Drafted in the second round out of WMU, Kneeland made history as the first Bronco ever selected by the Cowboys. His college career was nothing short of impressive. As a senior in Kalamazoo, he led WMU with 4.5 sacks, 57 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles, earning second-team All-Mid-American Conference honors. Over five seasons with the Broncos, he amassed 149 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and three forced fumbles across 38 games.
Before WMU, Kneeland was a dual-threat powerhouse at Wyoming Godwin Heights, dominating as both a defensive end and tight end. As a senior, he recorded 110 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and eight sacks, while also hauling in 20 catches for 330 yards and five touchdowns on offense. His high school accolades included all-state honors, setting the stage for his collegiate and professional success.
Now, here’s the question that’s sure to spark debate: Is Marshawn Kneeland’s early NFL success a sign of things to come, or is he just riding the wave of a few standout plays? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
For more on Kneeland’s journey, check out our coverage of his draft selection here. And remember, if you purchase a product or register for an account through our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy, which you can review here and here.
