Wendy had been a guiding force in Marshawn’s journey from his childhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to the football fields of the NFL. Friends and family described her as his biggest supporter — the one who never missed a game, always encouraged him through challenges, and reminded him to stay humble and focused. When she passed, the loss left a hole in Marshawn’s life that no achievement could ever fill.
Rather than letting grief consume him, Marshawn found a deeply personal way to keep his mother close. He had a small portion of her ashes placed in a silver urn pendant, which he wore around his neck every day. “I got this urn of her ashes I carry with me everywhere,” he said in an interview earlier this year. “I still feel like she’s there watching over me.”
Here is the story of how Marshawn Kneeland found a poignant way to stay close to his late mother after her sudden passing.
For Marshawn, the necklace was more than just a piece of jewelry — it was a symbol of presence, love, and resilience. During team practices, interviews, and even on game days, he could often be seen touching the pendant before taking the field. It was his way of centering himself, a reminder that his mother’s spirit was still guiding him forward.
He once said, “It’s a hard situation just knowing she got to see me potentially going to the NFL. She always believed in me, and I know she’s still with me.” Those who knew him best said that every sack, every tackle, and every hard-fought play carried her memory. His father, Shawn, and siblings often spoke about how Marshawn’s love for his mother fueled his determination to succeed — not just for himself, but for her.
In a league where athletes are often defined by their physical strength, Marshawn’s story stood out for its emotional depth. His tribute to his mother revealed a side of professional athletes that fans don’t always see — their humanity, vulnerability, and the personal battles they face behind the scenes.
Tragically, Marshawn Kneeland’s own life was cut short on November 5, 2025, at the age of 24. His death shocked the sports world and devastated those who admired him both on and off the field. In the days that followed, tributes poured in from teammates, coaches, and fans who remembered his humility, kindness, and unwavering love for his family — especially his late mother.
Marshawn’s story is more than a tale of football success; it’s a testament to the enduring power of love. Even after unimaginable loss, he found strength in the memory of the woman who raised him and believed in his dreams. Through the small urn he wore each day, Marshawn Kneeland showed the world that love truly transcends life and death — and that some bonds can never be broken.
Marshawn Kneeland takes part in National Team practice ahead of the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama on February 1, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
