Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died by suicide following a police chase near the team’s facility Thursday.
The death of the 24-year-old, who recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown on Monday, deeply affected many in the community, especially those connected to the NFL.
Solomon Thomas, a defensive tackle and part of the line alongside Kneeland, took to Instagram to post a tribute to Kneeland.
“Brother Marshawn, I love you,” Thomas posted. “I wish you knew it was going to be okay. I wish you knew the pain wouldn’t last and how loved you are. I wish you knew how bad we wanted you to stay. My heart breaks for you and your loved ones. We will lift your spirit up everyday.”
“To anyone struggling please hold on to that light/ Please know there is always help and hope. Whatever story you’re going through it’s okay to feel that pain. It’s okay to not be okay. But the light will come again. Truly a devastating day.”
Thomas encouraged those struggling to call the national suicide prevention hotline at 988 or text 741741.
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 28: Marshawn Kneeland #DL41 of the Western Michigan Broncos speaks to the media during the 2024 NFL Draft Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Solomon Thomas Started Foundation After Sister’s Death
In January 2018, at the end of his rookie season with the San Francisco 49ers, Thomas experienced the devastating loss of his sister, Ella, to suicide. Calling it “the worst day of my life,” he went on to create The Defensive Line in her memory—a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing youth suicide rates, with a focus on supporting young people of color, according to its website.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 2018 and 2021, suicide rates—when adjusted for age—rose most sharply among Native Americans (26%), followed by Black people (19.2%) and Latinos (6.8%). Among Black youth ages 10 to 24, the increase was especially alarming, reaching 36.6%.
The first NFL game since Kneeland’s death was “Thursday Night Football” between the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos. A moment of silence was held in honor of Kneeland. The Cowboys are on their bye week.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family,” the Cowboys said in a statement.
Marshawn Kneeland Found Dead After Saying Goodbye to Loved Ones
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Kneeland died by suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase. Authorities reported that DPS troopers pursued Kneeland on Wednesday night after he failed to stop for a traffic violation.
After temporarily losing sight of the vehicle, troopers later discovered it abandoned and apparently crashed. Kneeland’s body was found nearby in a porta-potty, according to police audio obtained by TMZ. His girlfriend, Catalina, reportedly told police that he was armed and had expressed intentions to “end it all.” The lineman also reportedly sent a “goodbye” text to his family.
“I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys,” Kneeland’s agent Jon Perzley said in a statement. “Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.
“My heart aches for his family, his teammates, and everyone who loved him, and I hope they feel the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time. I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Cowboys DT Solomon Thomas Posts Heartfelt Tribute to Marshawn Kneeland appeared first on Heavy Sports.