After hearing the news of defensive player Marshawn Kneeland’s passing, Baker Mayfield showed acts of kindness following the heartbreaking loss of the young Cowboys talent a story about legacy: ‘Even though you’re gone, your legacy will live on forever.’

After hearing the news of defensive player Marshawn Kneeland’s passing, Baker Mayfield showed acts of kindness following the heartbreaking loss of the young Cowboys talent a story about legacy: ‘Even though you’re gone, your legacy will live on forever.’

Tampa Bay, Florida – November 6, 2025
At 1:31 AM on November 6, he was found near the Cowboys headquarters in Frisco with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police confirmed that he had expressed suicidal intent earlier. The Collin County Medical Examiner's office is investigating the official cause.
After hearing the news of young Dallas Cowboys defensive player Marshawn Kneeland’s passing, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield deeply moved the entire NFL community with an act of compassion and humanity. At a moment when the football world was still in shock over Kneeland’s death, Mayfield quietly performed a gesture so heartfelt that it brought Tampa Bay fans to tears.

As soon as he heard the news, Baker Mayfield posted an emotional message on social media along with a photo of Kneeland in his Cowboys uniform. The short yet powerful message left thousands of people speechless:
“Even though you’re not here, your legacy will live on forever. Rest easy, brother.”

But Mayfield didn’t stop there. He touched even more hearts by donating his entire game bonus from the Buccaneers’ most recent victory to a fund supporting Kneeland’s family — a completely voluntary act, done not for attention, but out of respect for a young man who gave everything to the NFL. He shared: “Marshawn was an incredible young player, a true warrior, and someone everyone would want in their locker room. He played with a heart bigger than anything else. We may wear different colors, but in football, we are one family. Their loss is our loss too.”

The passing of Marshawn Kneeland, only 24 years old, left a tremendous void in the hearts of fans and teammates. Joining the Cowboys in 2024, Kneeland quickly made his mark with powerful defensive play and relentless energy. He was viewed as one of the team’s most promising young talents, and his untimely death cast a shadow of sorrow across the entire league.

The Buccaneers’ head coach spoke after learning of Mayfield’s gesture: “Baker is the embodiment of leadership and compassion. In a moment when many chose silence, he chose action. That’s what makes him someone we’re all proud of.”

The story of Baker Mayfield and Marshawn Kneeland is not just a tearful farewell between two players — it stands as a powerful reminder that even in the fierce world of professional sports, humanity and kindness remain the most enduring legacies of all.