“HE’S GONE—THEY’RE ONLY LACK OF A PLACE ON THE FIELD, AND I’M LOST HALF OF MY LIFE.” Shortly after Marshawn Kneeland’s tragic death, Jennifer Slay, wife of Darius Slay, posted an emotional post on social media, telling everyone to care and look after each other: “Check on your PPL — remember that the people you love are very important to you, not just the moments on the field or the daily work.” The post quickly received deep sympathy from fans and colleagues, everyone choked up by the pain of loss and reminded of the value of life and family. The death of the 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys star once again made people realize that nothing is more important than the heart and the people standing next to us. WATCH MORE BELOW

The NFL world is reeling after the sudden death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, just days after his first career touchdown. The 24-year-old rookie was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. His death came shortly after a brief police pursuit that ended when officers found his vehicle crashed and empty. The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief and reflection across the league.

Among the first to react was Jennifer Slay, wife of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Slay, who posted a powerful message on X. She wrote, “Mental Health. Check on your PPL!!!!!” Her words quickly went viral, resonating with fans and players alike who have urged for more open conversations about mental health in professional sports.

https://x.com/dallascowboys/status/1986455923024712162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1986455923024712162%7Ctwgr%5E1d3b26dce929d53a5d97c2a072e0ee41b2c1c81d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Flitanews.com%2Fthanhthuyt3%2Fhes-gone-theyre-only-lack-of-a-place-on-the-field-and-im-lost-half-of-my-life-shortly-after-marshawn-kneelands-tragic-death-jennifer-sl%2F

Dallas Cowboys, teammates and fans pay tribute to Marshawn Kneeland
Marshawn Kneeland’s death is a stark reminder of the mental-health pressures athletes may face, even when visibly succeeding on the field. In a statement, the Cowboys organization said, “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.” His agent, Jonathan Perzley, confirmed the heartbreaking news, saying, “I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night.”

Other members of the Cowboys community shared their grief online. Sarah Jane Ramos, fiancée of quarterback Dak Prescott, wrote on Instagram, “Devastating. Please lift this family and community up with love and prayers. Rest in Peace, Marshawn.” CeeDee Lamb added, “You just never know, sleep well brother,” while Charlotte Jones, daughter of team owner Jerry Jones, said she was “heartbroken with this tragic news.”

Kneeland’s story had inspired many even before his death. The defensive end lost his mother, Wendy, in February 2024 while preparing for the NFL Combine. “It was definitely tough,” he said earlier this year. “She helped me a lot when I was younger and getting into football. I always told her, ‘I’m going to the NFL,’ and I made it.”

Drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Kneeland was praised for his energy, focus, and resilience. His final social media post in January referenced the anime Cyberpunk, symbolizing his desire to live out his late mother’s dream.

In fact, just days before his death, on November 3, the 24-year-old defensive end had scored his first NFL touchdown by recovering a blocked punt in a game vs the Arizona Cardinals, that had teammates celebrating his breakout moment.