A few nights ago, I was reading an article about a young man who was 24 years old who sadly passed away. He was so young, had achieved so much, and so many people were cheering for him and his future. Especially since he entered the career he also dreamed of having. He had all the support from his loving mother and his beautiful girlfriend. Unfortunately, his mother passed away in February 2024. A couple of months before this young man entered his career. He carried his mother’s ashes in a necklace he wore everywhere, according to sources. He deeply loved his mother. But unfortunately, this man was dealing with psychological pain or an undiagnosed mental illness, which unfortunately led him to take his own life on Nov 6, 2025.
That young man was Marshawn Kneeland. A young man who was talented and started his football career in the NFL. He got drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2024. He also scored his first Touchdown on November 3, 2025, 2 days before he decided to take his own life. He was only in the league for 2 years.
This is a topic I’ve been wanting to talk about for a while, and it’s heartbreaking to see another young man take his life because he’s fighting a silent battle. The importance of mental health is not talked about enough. It’s a topic many people are still afraid to discuss or to open up about when they’re struggling with their mental health, especially for men.
AJ brown, who is a wide receiver, opened up about his struggles with mental health back in 2021. He also shared that he had suicidal thoughts. He decided to seek the help he needed and is now spreading awareness about mental health and breaking the stigma. He recently wore a shirt that quoted “check on your teammates.” He knows that there are many individuals out there going through something, and a quick “Hey! Was just thinking about you. How are you doing?” can go a long way. These small gestures matter. Another player who was open about their mental health was Braden Smith, whose position is offensive tackle. He was open about his diagnosis and shared that he also struggled with suicidal thoughts. He decided to seek treatment and is spreading awareness about accessing more mental health resources in the NFL and having players take a break when battling with mental health.
When it comes to suicide, sometimes we can’t recognize the signs. Some individuals hide their pain through smiles and laughter. Most people see that as a sign they’re getting better. A sudden mood change can be a sign, such as battling sadness to all of a sudden becoming a cheerful person. Saying goodbye to friends and family, giving away important possessions, and many other signs. Before Marshawn took his own life, he had been sending text messages to his family saying his goodbyes.
For the men out there reading this. It’s okay to open up when you’re struggling. You have emotions, too, that need to be heard. Open up to someone you trust, someone you know who will listen. Seek help or treatment if you need it. There’s no shame in taking care of yourself. Doing this does not make you less masculine or less of a man. It shows your growth and prioritizing self-care. You and your feelings are important. You’re human. We are here for you, we care for you, we love you, and want the best for you. You are not alone. Please call or text 988 if you are thinking about suicide. You can also call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for other treatment and service information. Please remember that there are so many people out there who love you and will support you through your journey.
Resource: https://x.com/MySportsUpdate/status/1986517466701570131?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet, https://inews.zoombangla.com/marshawn-kneeland-cause-of-death-revealed-dallas-cowboys-player-died-by-suicide/, https://people.com/marshawn-kneeland-wore-mothers-ashes-necklace-before-his-death-11844938, https://www.eonline.com/news/1424748/marshawn-kneeland-family-statement-on-his-death#, https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/philadelphia-eagles-aj-brown-mental-health/, https://www.nbcsports.com/watch/nfl/snf/marshawn-kneelands-death-sparks-nfl-conversations-on-mental-health-efforts
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