Remembering Marshawn Kneeland: Micah Parsons Honors Teammate and Mental Health in Sports
#marshawn_kneeland #micah_parsons #mental_health #sports #tribute
Remembering Marshawn Kneeland
Packers star Micah Parsons took a moment on Friday to honor the memory of his former Dallas Cowboys teammate, Marshawn Kneeland, who tragically died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Parsons, traded to Green Bay in August, shared how Kneeland was more than just a teammate; he was a respectful and genuine person who loved anime and video games, bonding with others through common interests. Kneeland’s untimely death has deeply affected those who knew him, highlighting the personal side of professional athletes beyond the field.
The Pressure Behind the Game
Parsons spoke candidly about the immense pressures athletes face, noting how the expectations to perform can be overwhelming. He emphasized the harsh criticism players often endure publicly and privately, which can weigh heavily on mental health. Parsons urged understanding and compassion, acknowledging that behind the toughness and talent, athletes can struggle silently with emotional challenges.
Offering Support and Seeking Peace
Expressing his respect and willingness to support Kneeland’s family, Parsons hopes his former teammate finds peace, as well as comfort for those left behind. This reflection brings attention to the critical importance of mental health awareness in sports and the need for ongoing support systems for players coping with pressure and personal battles.
About the People Mentioned
Marshawn Kneeland
Marshawn Kneeland was an American professional football player who most recently played as a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 8, 2001, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kneeland attended high school in Wyoming, Michigan, and later played college football at Western Michigan University, where he developed into a standout edge rusher[2][3]. During his collegiate career, Kneeland was recognized for his athleticism and defensive prowess. In his final season at Western Michigan in 2023, he recorded a career-high 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and eight quarterback hurries, earning Second Team All-MAC honors[3]. He also demonstrated versatility by scoring a rushing touchdown and was named MAC West Defensive Player of the Week following a dominant performance against Eastern Michigan, which included 11 tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks, a safety, and a forced fumble that led to a defensive touchdown[3]. Kneeland’s athletic background included regional success in track, particularly in the 400-meter run and as a high jumper[3]. Kneeland entered the NFL as a second-round draft pick (56th overall) by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2024 NFL Draft[1][6]. He signed a four-year rookie contract valued at approximately $6.83 million, with over $4 million guaranteed[1]. In his rookie season, Kneeland made an immediate impact, recording his first career sack in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles and contributing on special teams, including a notable blocked punt recovery for a touchdown in a game against the Arizona Cardinals[2]. However, his debut season was cut short by a knee injury that sidelined him for five games; he appeared in seven of the team’s first nine contests before his unexpected death at age 24[2]. Kneeland’s passing was confirmed by the Dallas Cowboys in a statement that highlighted his role as a beloved teammate and his promising start in the NFL[2]. At the time of his death, he was survived by his parents, Wendy and Shawn Kneeland, and his girlfriend, Catalina[1][2]. His brief but impactful career, both in college and the NFL, was marked by determination, athletic achievement, and the respect of teammates and fans. Kneeland’s story is one of rapid ascent in professional sports, cut tragically short, leaving a legacy of potential and perseverance.
Micah Parsons
Micah Aaron Parsons, born May 26, 1999, in Pennsylvania, is a professional American football linebacker currently playing for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. He played college football at Penn State, where he distinguished himself as an outstanding defensive player, earning the prestigious Butkus–Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year award and multiple All-America honors during his sophomore season. Parsons tied for seventh all-time at Penn State in forced fumbles and was a finalist for the Butkus Award, recognizing him as one of the nation’s top linebackers[1][3]. Parsons declared for the NFL Draft after his junior year and was selected 12th overall in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He made an immediate impact in the league, setting a rookie record with 12 sacks in his first 13 games, the fourth-most ever by a rookie. His stellar debut earned him the Defensive Rookie of the Year award and first-team All-Pro honors. Parsons' performance has been consistently recognized with Pro Bowl selections each year since entering the NFL, making him the first defensive player since Aaron Donald to achieve four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances at the start of his career[1][4]. In 2024, Parsons joined the Green Bay Packers, where he continues to be a dominant defensive presence. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 245 pounds, he is widely regarded as a versatile and dynamic force on the field. Off the field, Parsons is noted for his leadership, discipline, and resilience, often sharing his experiences and lessons through speaking engagements[1][4]. He has one son, Malcolm, born while Parsons was still in college[6].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Green Bay Packers
The **Green Bay Packers** are a unique professional American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, competing in the NFL’s NFC North division. Founded in 1919, they are the only major U.S. sports franchise organized as a **publicly owned nonprofit corporation**, held by over 538,000 stockholders as of 2025, with no individual allowed to own more than 4% of shares. This community ownership model has been key to the team's longevity in the smallest NFL market and is grandfathered under league rules limiting ownership structures[2][3]. The organization was originally incorporated in 1923 as the Green Bay Football Corporation and renamed Green Bay Packers, Inc. in 1935. Unlike other teams privately owned by individuals or corporations, the Packers operate under a community board of 43 directors including former players, local business leaders, and officials, who volunteer without financial compensation and provide governance oversight. The team president acts as the de facto owner, currently transitioning from Mark Murphy’s tenure, with the general manager and head coach reporting directly to the president—a structure admired by other NFL franchises[1][8]. On the field, the Packers are one of the NFL’s most historically successful teams, boasting **13 league championships** including **4 Super Bowl titles**, and winning the first-ever Super Bowl under legendary coach Vince Lombardi, for whom the trophy is named. Their home, Lambeau Field, is an iconic stadium known for its rich history and passionate fan base[3][6][7]. Beyond football, the Packers contribute to the community through the Green Bay Packers Foundation, supporting charitable causes and youth programs, reinforcing their identity as a community-centric organization[3]. Despite recent competitive challenges, the Packers remain a storied franchise known for innovation, fan engagement, and a business model that blends sports with community ownership and nonprofit management, making them a singular case study in the sports business landscape[2][4].
Dallas Cowboys
The **Dallas Cowboys** are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, competing in the NFL as a member of the NFC East division. Founded in 1960 as an expansion team, the Cowboys struggled initially but rose rapidly to become one of the most successful and iconic franchises in NFL history[2][7]. Their headquarters is in Frisco, Texas, and they play home games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, a state-of-the-art facility known for its innovative design and technology integration, opened in 2009[2]. The Cowboys are widely recognized for their sustained excellence, including a remarkable streak of 20 consecutive winning seasons from 1966 to 1985, a feat unmatched in NFL history[2][7]. They have appeared in the Super Bowl eight times, winning five championships in 1971, 1977, 1992, 1993, and 1995, tying them with some of the NFL’s most storied franchises for second-most appearances behind the New England Patriots[2][5]. Their eight NFC championships are also the most in conference history[2]. This success helped cultivate their nickname "America’s Team," reflecting their broad national fanbase[3][7]. Off the field, the Cowboys are a powerhouse business entity. They were the first sports team valued at $4 billion in 2015 and reached an estimated $9 billion valuation by 2023, making them the most valuable sports franchise globally, according to Forbes[2][3]. Their revenue, which topped $620 million in 2014, showcases their dominance not only in sports but also in branding, marketing, and media rights[2]. The team’s innovative approach includes selling naming rights for their stadium to AT&T, reflecting their integration with telecommunications and tech industries[2]. Despite not winning a Super Bowl since 1995, the Cowboys remain consistently popular, with a strong fan base and frequent playoff appearances in recent decades. Their
