Marshawn Kneeland was a promising second-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2024 NFL Draft. His rookie contract spanned four years and was valued at about US$6.83 million, with guaranteed money of around US$4.01 million. Of that, in 2024 he earned approximately US$2.58 million from his signing bonus and base salary.
What Does “Net Worth” Really Mean Here?
When people refer to net worth, they often use the contract value as a number, but that doesn’t equal cash in hand. With Kneeland, while the contract headline was ~US$6.83 million, actual take-home income was lower, due to taxes, agent fees, league and union dues, and the fact that much of the contract is paid over time. Many sources estimate his real net worth at the time of his passing to be in the US$1 million to US$1.5 million range.
The Short-Lived But Bright Professional Chapter
Kneeland’s professional journey was tragically cut short: he died at age 24 in November 2025. Because his career was still in early stages, he did not yet receive the full contract amount. His earnings were tied to being on the roster and performing, which meant the remaining years of his contract were conditional.
Why the Figures Matter
The story of Marshawn Kneeland shows how early NFL contracts can appear large, but real wealth depends on many variables. Rookie deals may offer security through guaranteed money, but actual cash flow is spread out and depends on staying active, healthy, and on the team. For Kneeland, while the headline number drew attention, the realistic net worth was far smaller due to the short career span.
The Takeaway
Although Marshawn Kneeland’s contract pointed to potential earnings in the millions, his actual net worth at the time was more modest — estimated around US$1 million to US$1.5 million by several outlets. He represented rising talent, yet his journey highlights that contract values and real-world earnings don’t always align perfectly.
