The football world was rocked earlier this month by the shocking news of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland’s death, just days after scoring his first NFL touchdown with the Dallas Cowboys. Kneeland, who was the Cowboys’ second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, was 24 years old.
An investigation by the Dallas police department determined that Kneeland died in his vehicle following a police chase near the Cowboys’ practice facilities. As more details began to emerge, Kneeland’s story became all too familiar for many in the sports world: the rising star had taken his own life.
In recordings with the Dallas police, Kneeland’s girlfriend Catalina said that he had a history of mental illness and suicidal thoughts. Kneeland, who lost his mother suddenly during the 2024 draft, rarely spoke publicly about mental health.
Kneeland’s death has rekindled conversations around how athlete suicide is handled in professional sports, especially for men of color. Some online commenters have criticized the NFL and news organizations for releasing personal information, such as the identity of Kneeland’s girlfriend and the final text sent to his family. Even a week after the event, the story is still dominating headlines.
Others laud the Cowboys’ head coach David Schottenheimer’s response to the news, including his announcement of a memorial fund for Kneeland’s pregnant girlfriend.
“His smile could take you to your knees. In terms of him as an athlete, no one had a better motor than him,” Schottenheimer said in a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
Given Kneeland’s age, the focus of online conversations has been turning to collegiate athletics. And for good reason: in the last two decades, the number of college athletes who commit suicide has nearly doubled according to a 2024 study. On average, the age of these student athletes is just 20 years old. More than 75% of them are male.
“Athletes are generally thought of as one of the healthiest populations in our society, yet the pressures of school, internal and external performance expectations, time demands, injury, athletic identity and physical fatigue can lead to depression, mental health problems and suicide,” the study’s authors said.
Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among NCAA student-athletes, behind “accidents.” While the NCAA, NFL, NBA and other professional and collegiate sporting organizations have ramped up mental health programs in recent years, the data does not yet show a positive impact of these programs on athlete suicide rates.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health concerns, you’re not alone. You can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support. You can also visit our resource page for additional information.
