Solomon Thomas Bids Emotional Farewell to Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland
Solomon Thomas expressed his sorrow following the tragic death of his teammate Marshawn Kneeland. Thomas, who played alongside Kneeland on the Cowboys’ defensive line, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. In his post, he conveyed his love and support for Kneeland and his family, stating, “Brother Marshawn, I love you.”
Details of Marshawn Kneeland’s Passing
Marshawn Kneeland, 24, sadly died by suicide on Thursday. The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that he took a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a police pursuit. This pursuit began when Kneeland failed to stop for a traffic violation on Wednesday night.
Events Leading to the Incident
- Kneeland’s car was abandoned after initially evading law enforcement.
- His body was later discovered in a nearby porta-potty.
Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina, expressed concern before the incident, believing he was “armed” and might “end it all.” Reports indicate he sent a “goodbye” text message to his family prior to his passing.
On Thomas’ Advocacy for Mental Health
Solomon Thomas knows the pain of loss all too well. He faced a personal tragedy in January 2018 after losing his sister, Ella, to suicide. This devastating experience led him to establish “The Defensive Line,” a nonprofit aimed at reducing youth suicides, especially among people of color.
In his emotional message for Kneeland, Thomas encouraged those struggling with mental health challenges to seek help. He reassured them that it’s acceptable to not be okay and emphasized that light will return.
Community and Team Response
The Dallas Cowboys released a statement mourning Kneeland’s loss. They honored him as a cherished teammate and extended their condolences to his family and girlfriend. Thomas’ agent, Jon Perzley, also paid tribute, highlighting Kneeland’s dedication and passion for football.
The tragedy has reverberated throughout the football community, with many calling for compassion and privacy for Kneeland’s grieving loved ones.
Support for Mental Health
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out. You can contact 988 for free and confidential crisis counseling or visit 988lifeline.org for support.
