Growing up in the greater Grand Rapids area, he developed his football foundation at Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan.
His father Shawn remains a private figure—there is limited public information on his occupation or personal story beyond references to him being Marshawn’s father.
A Mother’s Influence
Wendy Kneeland played a significant role in Marshawn’s early life and athletic development. According to reports, she frequently took him to early morning practices and encouraged his football ambitions.
Tragically, Wendy passed away in February 2024, just as Marshawn was preparing for the NFL Combine.
He has publicly shared that he carries a small urn of her ashes on a chain around his neck, a constant reminder of her presence and support.
The Path Forward
Marshawn’s journey from Michigan high school standout to a second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2024 NFL Draft (56th overall) was shaped in no small part by the foundation laid by his parents. The guidance from his mother and the quiet stability from his father helped him navigate key transitions—from switching positions in high school to performing through adversity in college at Western Michigan University.
Legacy and Reminder
While the public record provides more detail on his mother Wendy than his father Shawn, the family narrative is one of ambition, resilience, and love. For Marshawn, it wasn’t just about making it to the NFL—it was about fulfilling a promise he made to his mom. He said, “I always told her, ‘I’m going to the NFL.’ And I made it.”
