Western Michigan Broncos Honored Late Star Marshawn Kneeland Before Big Win

The Western Michigan University community was rocked last week when it learned of the death of Grand Rapids native and former Western Michigan football player Marshawn Kneeland at the age of 24.

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Five days later, when the Broncos took the field to play Ohio, they made sure to pay tribute to Kneeland prior to and during the game.

Western Michigan University's Statement Following Marshawn Kneeland's Death

Immediately after receiving the news of Kneeland's death, the university released two statements - one from Dan Bartholomae, the university's Vice President and Director of Athletics, and one from Bronco's Head Coach Lance Taylor.

Bartholomae said, in part,

While his football talents were exceptional, they came second to his kind and engaging spirit and his love for his Bronco teammates and coaches.

Coach Taylor expressed his heartbreak, saying,

My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland. Marshawn was so much more than an incredible football player - he was a remarkable young man who meant so much to our program and to me personally.

How Western Michigan University Paid Tribute to Marshawn Kneeland

So, it was a somber atmosphere at Waldo Stadium the night of November 11 as the Broncos prepared to take the field. Kneeland's number, 99, was painted on the sidelines, and players' helmets sported stickers that said, "MK 99".

And when the players walked out onto the field that night, they brought Kneeland with them in their hearts, and the only other way that they could - by carrying his jersey.

And then, on that field, for four quarters, they played for Kneeland - pulling out a 17-13 victory over the Ohio University Bobcats, moving into first place in the MAC, and solidifying their bowl eligibility in the process.