Dak Prescott and Solomon Thomas Respond to Marshawn Kneeland’s Passing
In the wake of tragedy, Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Solomon Thomas and quarterback Dak Prescott have voiced their sorrow regarding the death of teammate Marshawn Kneeland, who tragically died by suicide. Both players have long been advocates for mental health awareness and are now facing a personal loss that resonates deeply within the NFL community.
Solomon Thomas Honors Marshawn Kneeland
On Friday, Thomas expressed his grief through an emotional Instagram message. He dedicated heartfelt words to Kneeland, revealing his own struggles with mental health and the enduring impact of his sister’s suicide, which occurred in 2018. Thomas wrote, “Brother Marshawn, I love you. I wish you knew it was going to be okay. I wish you knew how loved you are.”
After losing his sister, Thomas faced significant challenges in coping with his mental health. His mother, Martha Thomas, shared insights into his struggle, highlighting a dark period during which he hesitated to seek help. With the encouragement of the San Francisco 49ers team leadership, he eventually sought support, leading to the founding of his organization, The Defensive Line.
The Defensive Line: A Mission for Awareness
Founded by Thomas and his parents, The Defensive Line aims to enhance suicide prevention awareness, particularly within communities of young people of color. Through educational initiatives and safe spaces for discussions about mental health, the organization strives to combat the stigma associated with these topics.
Dak Prescott’s Advocacy for Mental Health
Prescott, who has faced his own family tragedies, echoed similar sentiments. After the loss of his mother to colon cancer and his brother to suicide, he established the Faith Fight Finish foundation. The foundation initially focused on cancer awareness but has since pivoted to include suicide prevention efforts.
During a recent ceremony in Haughton, Louisiana, Prescott shared his reaction to Kneeland’s passing. “It’s been a very tough day. I hurt for Marshawn, his family, and my teammates. This is a pain that you don’t wish upon anybody,” he stated.
Collaborative Initiatives
In 2023, Thomas and Prescott’s foundations collaborated on a month-long initiative with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). This partnership aims to bring increased attention to mental health issues within and outside the sports community.
A Shared Message of Hope
Both Thomas and Prescott have emphasized the importance of openly discussing mental health struggles. In their statements, they reminded others that it’s “OK to not be OK.” Thomas concluded his tribute by sharing a vital message: “You’re not alone.”
For individuals facing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, it’s imperative to seek help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988 or at 988lifeline.org.
