The NFLPA offered condolences to Marshawn Kneeland’s teammates and provided information on resources available to them. Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images
Responding to the tragic death of Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland on Thursday, the NFL and NFL Players Association moved quickly to ensure that NFL players, both in Dallas and across the league, remain aware of the crisis counseling resources available to them.
Since 2019, as part of a joint initiative between the NFL and NFLPA, the league has required every team to have a licensed mental health clinician on staff. Those professionals serve as the immediate points of contact to support grieving players impacted by Kneeland’s death.
Additionally, members of the NFL and NFL Players Association’s wellness team and the player directors assigned to each team are instructed to reach out to players and offer direct support.
Another resource continually available to players is the NFL Life Line, which is an independent and confidential hotline. The NFL Life Line’s trained crisis counselors provide suicide prevention support, crisis management and in-the-moment problem solving. Players can reach out to counselors by phone or through live online chats.
As part of the behavioral health agreement between the NFL and NFLPA, players and coaches also have to go through mandatory mental health educational sessions, and those sessions educate players and coaches on the resources available to them.
While issuing a statement expressing condolences to Kneeland’s family and teammates, the NFLPA reminded players, “navigating grief can be difficult. Lean on one another and take care of your well-being. We encourage you to reach out to us for wellness support or use the NFL Life Line.”
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or at 988lifeline.org.
Nov 7, 2025
Connections: Sports Edition
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms
Play today’s puzzle