"Marshawn Kneeland: A Silent Battle & Tragic Loss"

*The following article contains strong suggestive dialogue and graphic 
language. Viewer discretion is advised." 

Where do I begin with this emotional, heartfelt, article? How can I sit 
behind my laptop and keep a straight face knowing what transpired last 
Wednesday night/Thursday morning? If you've been under a rock or 
haven't watched any sports news, grab a sit and have some Kleenex. 
We're about to tackle a very tragic story which shook everyone no 
matter the sport or demographic. 

Dallas Cowboys second year defensive end Marshawn Kneeland had a 
highlight that circulated social media during Monday night's loss versus 
Arizona; which he scored a touchdown off a blocked punt. Celebrating 
with his teammates, all smiles from Kneeland as he ran to the sidelines. 
It became a feel good moment externally, but nobody knew the internal 
madness he was dealing with.

Meetings before the Cowboys bye week, a usual rundown of making 
sure to take care of their bodies and avoid trouble. All seemed to be 
fine, except the internal emotions of Kneeland. Wednesday night
changed the Dallas Cowboys lives forever. Teammates, coaches, front
office management had received a phone call that Kneeland took his life
late Wednesday night/early Thursday morning. Not the way every
envisioned on their bye week after seeing him alive the previous days.

Kneeland had sent a group text to his family and friends telling them
goodbye. A eerie phone call to his girlfriend saying "he could end it all"
and she alerted local authorities. In that phone call, they were told he's
armed as well. Within a few hours, Kneeland was on the run from Plano

police officers and crashed his car. Losing sight of Kneeland, police set-
up a search; only to find him with a gunshot wound.

As details were unknown, news broke Thursday morning of this tragedy.
The entire sports world shocked, hurt and asking what happened?
Marshawn Kneeland committed suicide at age of twenty-four.
Teammates, coaches, league representatives were reaching out to each
other. Several Cowboys players held a Zoom meeting; making sure
everyone was okay. Tragedy had struck during their bye-week and
nobody knew what led to Kneeland's self-termination.

In a perfect world, we see athletes as gladiators who battle weekly for
wins. Not knowing the internal madness faced just to numb all the
above for a game. In reality, athletes are human beings just like all of
us. This tragedy shook everyone, even if you're not a sports fan. It
brings me to a hard pressed stigma which has been overlooked.

Mental health issues are well known and how we still have limited
resources to help us. Athletes are afraid to speak or seek professional
help due to being labeled "weak." A strong athletic build doesn't always
mean your mental health is safe. Athletes deal with daily issues and
struggles just like the rest of us. We're told "they have millions of dollars
and shouldn't be upset." When I hear people say this, it grinds my
gears.

When tragedy strikes in any sport, it brings everyone together. Nobody
cares about fierce rivalries, hatred for certain fan bases, none of that
matters. This was a tragedy which nobody expected and opened many
eyes on mental health. It hurt me to the core and shed tears for a young
man who had his whole life in front of him. A brotherhood which is
shattered and rallying around each other.

Kneeland dealt with personal tragedy as his mother passed away before
the 2024 NFL draft. A second round pick and playing for the Dallas
Cowboys, it's every athletes dream to play the sport they love. Without
signs of hurt, Kneeland felt alone and battled his personal issues the
best way possible. But this one, he lost and left everyone asking why?

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has dealt with losing his older
brother Jace in 2020 from self-terminating. He opened up about his
struggles with anxiety; which led to harsh criticism from sports pundits
alike. Admitting he fought this illness during a turbulent moment in
American history became the forefront of people seeking treatments for
mental health. Fellow Cowboys defensive end Solomon Thomas dealt
with his sister taking her own life as well. Both Prescott and Thomas
have been very vocal about speaking and using their platforms for
mental health.

If I may... Being a young black man comes with tense pressure. We're
taught to be tough, strong willed, and keep battling. Childhood trauma is
a generational curse which is passed down. Black men are under more
expectations to become protectors, providers and embrace the
mentality their fathers endured. All of that trauma from internalizing
emotions, guilt, failure, heartbreak and carrying burdens of the past.
Nobody can truly understand how a black man feels unless you've
walked a mile in our shoes.

Systematic racism still plagues black communities with no way out.
Social issues sparked global protests; while everyone dogged us. When
we speak out on mental health, the media can be tone deaf. National
news networks cherry pick and create false narratives when tragedies
happen. All opinions, no context and misleading people every single
time.

How many more self-terminations will occur before our politicians
realize a true epidemic? Mental health resources are being being
removed and not enough doctors, therapists, counselors and the
essential treatments needed to help mental health patients.

As a sense of normalcy begins for the Dallas Cowboys, every sports
team held a moment of silence for Marshawn Kneeland. Returning back
this coming week in preparing for the Las Vegas Raiders next Monday
night, it'll be the first game since his passing. A road game which will be
nationally televised. The following Sunday will be home to division rival
Philadelphia. No matter what happens, football is the least concern.

This is bigger than football; it's an eye opener to a much broader issue
surrounding athletes. Mental health is important and essential medical
care we all need. IF you know of anyone who may feel anxious,
depressed or suicidal, please help seek treatments. Your life matters to
me and loved ones. Nobody deserves to fight alone in this battle and
stigmatism. We all need therapy to cope with internal issues which can
help everyone heal one person at at time.

On behalf of The Gryd Network, we send our sincere condolences to
the family and loved ones of Marshawn Kneeland. Heartfelt thoughts
and prayers to the Dallas Cowboys organization and teammates as
well. Continue making progress and check on your loved ones.