In a heartfelt tribute, Micah Parsons, linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, took time on Friday to remember his former teammate, Marshawn Kneeland, who tragically passed away on Thursday. Authorities have reported that Kneeland's death was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Parsons, who was traded from the Dallas Cowboys to the Packers in August, had spent a season with Kneeland, a talented second-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft.
During a press conference, Parsons spoke fondly of Kneeland, emphasizing his love for anime and video games. "Marshawn was a guy who loved his anime, loved his video games, like anybody else," Parsons said. "From the moment he came into the locker room, he showed me nothing but respect. He respected me as a player and as a person. I have nothing but high respect for him." Parsons expressed his willingness to support Kneeland's family during this difficult time, stating, "If there's anything his family needs, I’ll be the first person to help."
In his conversation with reporters, Parsons highlighted the significant mental health challenges that professional athletes face. "We'd be fools to act like what we do isn't enough pressure as it is," he remarked. "We live in a pressure job where you're expected to deliver and play a certain way. When you don't, it's easy for people to say harsh things." He reflected on the societal tendency to overlook mental health issues until a tragedy occurs, stating, "We choose to wait until somebody passes to realize how our words and actions can affect people." Parsons stressed the need for athletes to support each other and to prioritize mental well-being.
Parsons shared that since moving to Green Bay, he has been away from his family but was grateful that some relatives were in town as he processed the news about Kneeland. "We should all just use this time to stay prayed up," he advised. "Keep praying for your loved ones and for people to find peace." He emphasized the importance of reaching out to friends and family, reflecting on how often people take their relationships for granted. "Life's just so short, so we should really start appreciating each other more," he added.
The NFL is often described as a brotherhood, and Parsons highlighted the deep connections formed between teammates. "Losing a teammate is like losing a brother," he explained. "People don’t realize how much time we spend together. That’s the challenge. Regardless of whether it’s the same team or opposite team, we share a bond." He acknowledged the difficulty of balancing personal emotions with professional expectations but emphasized the importance of supporting one another during such trying times.
Parsons received the news of Kneeland's passing early Thursday morning, shortly after learning about the circumstances leading to his death. According to the Frisco (Texas) Police Department, they responded to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety in locating a vehicle that had evaded troopers during a pursuit. Kneeland’s vehicle was found crashed, and despite fleeing the scene on foot, he was later discovered with a self-inflicted gunshot wound after concerns for his welfare were raised by individuals who received a goodbye message from him.
As the NFL community mourns the loss of Marshawn Kneeland, Micah Parsons' poignant reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the deep connections forged through the sport.
