Former Colts Player and Close Friend of Marshawn Kneeland at the Cowboys Decides to Cover All Educational Costs for Marshawn’s Child Until Age 18

Dallas, Texas – November 13, 2025

The NFL community has yet to recover from the shock of Marshawn Kneeland’s sudden passing when another heartbreaking development emerged: his girlfriend revealed she is pregnant with his first child. Despite facing pressure from both families, she has decided to keep the baby — calling it “the last gift Marshawn left for this world.”

Amid the grief and emotional turmoil, an unexpected act of compassion has brought a wave of respect across the league. Malik Hooker — former Indianapolis Colts standout and one of Kneeland’s closest friends on the Dallas Cowboys — has stepped forward with a decision that has moved teammates and fans alike.

According to confirmed team sources, Hooker informed Kneeland’s family that he will cover all living and educational expenses for the child until the age of 18 — everything from early childcare and schooling to long-term development needs. No one asked him to do it; Hooker made the choice himself, purely out of loyalty and love for a friend he considered a younger brother.

During a brief but powerful media session, Hooker delivered a statement that silenced the entire room:
“Friendship doesn’t end when someone is gone. It continues through the choices we make to keep their spirit alive in our hearts. If Marshawn cannot be here to be a father, then I will stand wherever life needs me to stand in his place.”

Those who witnessed the bond between Hooker and Kneeland in the locker room knew how close the two were — training together, eating together, doing charity events, and even making future plans off the field. Kneeland once said Hooker was “the first person I call when I need advice.” Today, Hooker honors that trust in the most meaningful way possible.

Inside the Cowboys facility, players say Hooker’s gesture has become a source of strength for the entire team. It is not just about financial support — it is the reminder that behind the helmets and the toughness of the NFL, there are still human beings capable of deep love, loyalty, and responsibility.

Though the child’s journey ahead may be filled with uncertainty, one thing is now certain: Marshawn Kneeland’s son or daughter will grow up with love, protection, and guidance from the people who once considered his father family.

And with Malik Hooker’s act of generosity, the NFL has witnessed one of the most heartfelt moments of the season — a friendship that transcends the field, the game, and even life itself.