How Men’s Mental Health and Suicide Risk Connect: Lessons from Marshawn Kneeland

After Marshawn Kneeland’s death, men’s mental health and suicide risk must be addressed. Learn warning signs, risk factors, and how to support high-achieving men.

The Tragedy of Marshawn Kneeland

At just 24 years old and days after scoring a touchdown, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died by an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police pursuit (Reuters, 2025). According to reporting, his girlfriend had alerted authorities that he was armed, had a history of mental illness, and had sent “goodbye” messages to loved ones (People Magazine, 2025). His sudden passing—despite being a rising NFL talent who had recently scored his first career touchdown—illustrates that public success does not protect someone from private emotional pain (Reuters, 2025).

Why Men Are at Elevated Risk

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, men die by suicide at nearly four times the rate of women in the United States (NIMH 2023). Young men especially face heightened vulnerability, with suicide consistently ranking among the leading causes of death for males under the age of 35 (Fowler et al., 2022). Cultural norms surrounding masculinity, such as stoicism, “toughness,” and a reluctance to seek help, can discourage men from expressing emotional distress or pursuing mental health treatment (AAMC, 2024).

The High-Achievement Trap: When Success Masks Struggle

High-performing men—including athletes, creatives, actors, musicians, and entrepreneurs—often experience additional internal pressure. Their identity and sense of worth may become closely tied to performance, public image, or professional success. This dynamic can make vulnerability feel dangerous or shameful.

Kneeland’s death occurred shortly after a career milestone, highlighting how external success can sometimes deepen the internal conflict when someone is struggling. High-achievement environments can unintentionally reinforce silence about emotional pain—especially for men who fear disappointing others or appearing weak (AAMC, 2024).

Warning Signs: What We Can Learn

Based on available reporting, several concerning indicators appeared before Kneeland’s death, including:

• Expressions of hopelessness or finality (“goodbye” messages) (People Magazine, 2025)

• Access to a firearm

• A known history of mental-health challenges

• Isolation and erratic behavior leading to the police encounter (Reuters, 2025)

These signs align with common suicide-risk markers identified by mental-health professionals, including withdrawal, significant mood changes, heightened risk-taking, or talking about death or being a burden (CDC, 2024).

Kneeland’s story underscores the need for early intervention, open conversations, and accessible support for men—particularly those navigating high-pressure, public scrutiny, or identity-shaping careers.

How to Support Men’s Mental Health

1. Normalize Therapy for Men

Men benefit from clear messaging that therapy is not a crisis-only resource. It is a tool for longevity, clarity, emotional regulation, and improved relationships. Private-pay therapy can also appeal to public-facing men who value confidentiality and flexibility.

2. Address Stigma Directly

Naming stigma—rather than pretending it doesn’t exist—helps men feel seen. Many internalize beliefs like “I should handle this myself,” or “My problems aren’t serious enough.” Addressing these beliefs directly can reduce barriers to seeking help.

3. Encourage Community and Emotional Expression

Social isolation is a strong predictor of suicide risk. Encouraging men to connect emotionally with trusted friends, partners, or peers can be protective (HeadsUpGuys, n.d.).

4. Become Familiar with Crisis Resources

If someone expresses suicidal thoughts, immediate action is essential. In the U.S., individuals can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (NBCDFW, 2025).

Why This Matters for Clinicians & Creatives

For therapists working with men—especially men in performance-driven fields like sports, acting, writing, or music—the Kneeland case offers a powerful reminder: success does not immunize anyone from mental-health challenges. Many high-achieving men minimize their distress until it reaches a crisis point.

Creating a therapy environment that feels confidential, non-judgmental, and attuned to male socialization patterns can help men open up before reaching dangerous levels of strain.

Final Thought

Marshawn Kneeland’s death is a devastating reminder of the silent suffering many men carry. His story shows why mental-health support must be accessible, destigmatized, and integrated into conversations around masculinity, identity, and achievement.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness—it may be the most courageous step you ever take.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, PLEASE SEEK HELP. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for immediate support.

References

American Association of Medical Colleges. (2024). Men and mental health: What are we missing? https://www.aamc.org/news/men-and-mental-health-what-are-we-missing

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Suicide facts & statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html

Fowler, K. A., et al. (2022). Suicide among males across the lifespan. National Institutes of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9437900/

HeadsUpGuys. (n.d.). Men’s suicide statistics. https://headsupguys.org/suicide-in-men/suicide-stats-men/

National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Suicide statistics. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide

NBCDFW. (2025). NFL mental-health resources.

People Magazine. (2025). Marshawn Kneeland’s girlfriend breaks her silence after his death.

Reuters. (2025). Cowboys defensive end Kneeland dead at 24.