Cowboys Fans Are Going to Love Marshawn Kneeland's Jersey Number Choice

After a slow start to the offseason, Dallas Cowboys fans are feeling a lot more confident following a solid 2024 NFL Draft performance. The Cowboys left the Motor City with eight new rookies who ooze potential, including defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland, who was taken 56th overall in Round 2.

While targeting a pass rusher wasn't what some Dallas fans wanted to see in the second round, you can't argue with selecting the best player available. Kneeland has the tools to be a mainstay on Dallas' defensive line for years to come and the rookie's newly revealed jersey choice will only make him a bigger fan favorite in Big D.

Cowboys News: Marshawn Kneeland Jersey Number Revealed

Cowboys insider Patrik Walker revealed the 2024 rookie class' jersey numbers on Tuesday, including which digits Kneeland will sport. It turns out that the ex-Western Michigan defender will be wearing none other than No. 94, which was previously made popular by franchise legend and fellow DL DeMarcus Ware.

Anyone familiar with the Cowboys knows that Ware was one of the most ferocious defenders throughout his time in the Lone Star State.

The ex-Troy Trojan is the franchise's all-time leader with 117 career sacks, 22.5 more than the next player, Jim Jeffcoat (94.5). He also made even Pro Bowls, earned seven All-Pro nods, and even finished top five in Defensive Player of the Year voting twice. After a three-year run with the Broncos to end his career, Ware was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.

Ware, who left Dallas in 2014, wasn't the last Cowboy to wear No. 94, though. That honor went to Randy Gregory, who was with the team from 2015 to 2021. Gregory fell out of favor with Cowboys fans due to his off-field antics and multiple lengthy suspensions, so it'd be nice if Kneeland could bring some respect back to the number.

The good news for the Dallas faithful is that the rookie defender's outlook is promising. Kneeland put together a solid stat line throughout his four years at Western Michigan, amassing 81 solo tackles, 28.0 lost yardage tackles, 12.5 sacks, and three force fumbles across 37 games. He was even named second-team All-MAC for the first time following the 2023 campaign.

Time will tell if Kneeland, the sixth player in franchise history to wear No. 94, ever fills Ware's shoes. Being compared to one of the best defenders of the 2000s brings a lot of pressure, but it's clear that the ex-Bronco has the potential to be a real contributor. Even if Kneeland only replicates half of Ware's career accolades, I'm sure Dallas fans won't complain.

Even if Kneeland takes some time to develop, the immediate future in Dallas is bright. FanDuel Sportsbook currently lists the Cowboys as having the eighth-best Super Bowl LIX odds (+1500) following the 2024 NFL Draft.

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