Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis appeared to take a swipe at Detroit Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown for performing President Donald Trump’s dance moves during a touchdown celebration against the Washington Commanders.
Lewis, a nine-year veteran in the NFL who played eight years with the Dallas Cowboys, let his thoughts be known on social media before deleting at least one post.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrates a touchdown against Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.(Junfu Han/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
“The truth comes to light,” he wrote on Monday night before adding separately, “You do that in one of the blackest cities in America?”
Lewis, who is from Detroit and played college at Michigan, deleted the latter post as X users needled him for getting heated over a dance move.
He wrote on Tuesday, “I’m suppose to spread love.”
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis exits the tunnel before the game against the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium on Sept. 21, 2025.(Morgan Tencza/Imagn Images)
St. Brown and the Lions topped the Commanders 44-22 at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. The All-Pro receiver performed the celebration in the first quarter before the president arrived at the stadium.
Trump was there to take part in the NFL “Salute to Service” festivities. He read the names of those who recently enlisted in the military.
“I heard Trump was going to be at the game,” Brown explained. “I don’t know how many times the president is going to be at the game, so just decided to, you know, have some fun and do his dance.”
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth watches President Donald Trump shake the hand of a young fan as he attends the game between the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on Nov. 9, 2025, in Landover, Maryland.(John McDonnell/Getty Images)
A sitting U.S. president attending a regular-season NFL game is rare. The last president to attend a game while in office was President Jimmy Carter in 1978. Trump was at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans and went to a Pittsburgh Steelers game last year while on the campaign trail.
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The NFL is all about extreme human performance, a collision of physical titans under the unforgiving glare of the global spotlight.
We celebrate the jarring tackles, the gravity-defying catches, and the singular focus required to succeed in a brutal, high-stakes environment. Yet, beneath the helmet and pads exists a complex reality.
Professional football demands not only extraordinary physical strength but also a rare degree of mental performance, and the hidden toll of this demand is finally being addressed with the seriousness it warrants.
The narrative is shifting from a culture of “tough it out” to one that embraces vulnerability as the truest measure of strength.
Examining the intersection of immense pressure, the need for recovery, and the cultivation of long-term resilience reveals an essential, invisible game that every NFL player must play for their mental health and wellness.
Understanding the Pressure
The pressure on an NFL player is multifaceted, originating from sources both internal and external, creating a constant, low-grade thrum of anxiety.
Foremost is the extreme job insecurity, a pervasive stressor in a league where the average career is frighteningly short and a single bad performance or minor injury can mean instant termination. Players live in perpetual fear that someone else is poised to take their job, a reality that often drives them to mask pain and injury to avoid being sidelined. This professional precariousness is compounded by the pressure to perform flawlessly. Athletes often possess personality traits like perfectionism and intense commitment, which, while beneficial for athletic achievement, can become liabilities that lead to high anxiety levels and a crippling fear of failure, where underperformance can lead them to question their self-worth.
Credit: Alex Korolkoff-Unsplash
Beyond the field, the pressure to uphold an idealized public image, often referred to as “situational narcissism” in sports psychology, forces players into a denial of emotional problems. The image of the invincible athlete conflicts directly with the human reality of vulnerability, making it incredibly difficult for a player to admit they’re experiencing mental health struggles for fear of losing endorsements, respect, or their spot on the roster.
For many, this profession also involves the immediate acquisition of wealth and fame, leading to the stress of managing new finances, family expectations, and the loss of personal autonomy as their public and private worlds aggressively blur.
These factors together create an emotional environment ripe for feelings of depression, loneliness, and chronic stress, which can make players highly susceptible to seeking maladaptive coping mechanisms. Substance use is one example. An NFL player might misuse prescription painkillers to mask injury and stay on the field, or abuse alcohol and other substances to dull the mental anguish of performance failure and the blurring of public and private life. This transition from self-medication to full-blown substance dependence often leads to a dual diagnosis—the simultaneous occurrence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.
Addressing this complex challenge requires an integrated treatment approach, recognizing that one condition often fuels the other, making it essential to treat both the underlying mental health issue and the substance abuse concurrently. Players, their families, and the league must learn more about this interconnectedness to ensure appropriate and effective therapeutic intervention.
Injury, Identity, and Cognitive Health
The conversation about pressure inevitably leads to the long-term mental health concerns that are disproportionately prevalent among those who play the game.
Chief among these is the relationship between physical trauma and psychological well-being. The sheer number of injuries players collectively suffer each season, particularly the cumulative effect of concussions and repetitive subconcussive head impacts, is a known precursor to significant mental wellness issues. There’s a concerning association between the number of concussions recalled and a subsequent diagnosis of depression and anxiety, along with self-reported cognitive decline. The physical act of playing football is, in a very literal sense, a direct risk factor for emotional instability, memory loss, aggression, chronic pain, and even suicidality, which are severe symptoms associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The transition out of the league is a significant source of emotional distress as well. For many, football has been their entire identity since childhood, and when the career ends, often involuntarily due to injury or cut day, players face a sudden, profound loss of social identity and connection. They lose the structure, the immediate purpose, and the deeply ingrained social support system of the locker room. This abrupt transition can trigger or exacerbate depression and substance abuse issues, as the individual struggles to find a new definition of self that exists outside the shield. For years, this post-career void was a silent crisis, but it has become a critical focal point for current and former player mental health support, particularly for NFL vets.
A New Framework for Recovery
In recognition of these complex and urgent needs, the NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) have fundamentally reformed their approach to player mental health, shifting from a reactionary stance to a proactive, comprehensive framework of recovery and support.
A landmark change came with the NFL-NFLPA Joint Agreement on Behavioral Health Clinician, which mandated that every team hire a behavioral health clinician. This professional, a dedicated mental health specialist, must be available to players for emotional and mental support, a crucial step in normalizing mental health care by making it an integrated part of the club facility and routine, just like physical training.
The league has established several key mental health resources to ensure confidentiality and accessibility, dismantling one of the largest historical barriers to seeking help. The NFL Life Line is a free, confidential, and independently operated resource available 24/7/365, connecting current and former players and their families with trained crisis counselors. Programs like NFL Total Wellness provide comprehensive resources and education at every stage of the player life cycle, from rookies learning to navigate their new reality to Legends adjusting to life after football. They offer benefits like eight free, in-person or virtual counseling sessions per topic per year for players and their loved ones through their EAP services, ensuring that cost is not an impediment to initial treatment.
This institutional commitment acknowledges that recovery must be holistic, extending beyond the rehabilitation of a torn ligament to include the healing of the mind.
The Power of the Shared Story
While policies and resources provide the infrastructure, it’s the courage of the individual players who share their stories that truly catalyzes a culture change. The stigma surrounding health and wellness has historically been enforced by the perceived need for absolute “mental toughness” in professional sports. However, a growing number of current and former NFL athletes have stepped forward, using their platform to redefine what strength means.
Former players like Ryan Leaf have been candid about their struggles with substance use and mental illness under the public spotlight, detailing a journey of recovery and resilience that was initially hampered by the very stigma he grew up with in the hyper-masculine environment of the locker room. Other veterans, such as Marcus Smith II, have spoken openly about reaching a point of crisis, including an attempt to end his own life, and the subsequent difficult but necessary work of therapy to let down the “shield and helmet” that had become his emotional wall. For them, healing involved recognizing that their challenges are a long-term journey, not a single event to be conquered, and that true achievement can be as simple as waking up in the morning, getting out of bed, and taking a shower.
These powerful, public narratives serve as a lifeline, showing teammates, coaches, and staff that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but the strongest play an athlete can make.
Cultivating Resilience
In the context of the NFL, resilience is a dynamic and continually cultivated process—the capacity to return to effective functioning following a stressor. For professional football players, this involves developing specific mental skills to navigate the constant adversity of the game. It means having the psychological tools to deal with a devastating loss, a career-threatening injury, or a torrent of public criticism without letting those external factors shatter self-worth or derail performance.
The cultivation of resilience relies heavily on a robust support system. This includes licensed clinicians, but also teammates, coaches who understand their role extends beyond tactics, and family members. Learning to view failures and setbacks not as condemnations but as opportunities for growth is a core component of this mental training.
Meanwhile, programs now focus on skills like visualization, emotional management, positive self-talk, and establishing meaningful connections outside of the sport. For a player to thrive, they must learn to integrate their athletic life with their personal life, developing a sense of self that isn’t wholly dependent on the fleeting success of a Sunday afternoon.
In the end, it’s this deeply rooted personal identity and the network of support surrounding it that allows a player to “bounce back” not just from a physical hit on the field, but from the existential and emotional hits that come with a life in the league.
Final Words
The exploration of NFL mental health reveals a profound truth: the extraordinary pressures placed on these elite athletes necessitate an equally extraordinary commitment to their internal well-being. The culture of silence is dissolving, replaced by an infrastructure of resources and a growing chorus of advocates who have publicly traded their armor for authenticity.
The daily, often grueling work of managing anxiety, navigating trauma, and defining a resilient self is now recognized as being just as critical as the physical competition.
Ultimately, the league’s embrace of mental health professionals is a moral imperative that ensures that the men who sacrifice their bodies for the entertainment of millions are also given the support they need to maintain their minds, find lasting purpose, and build a sense of well-being that extends far beyond their final snap.
That game — a 1939 matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbett’s Field — saw some 1,000 fans (mainly in the New York area) tuned in to see those leather helmets.
The result was a Sunday afternoon obsession that has overwhelmed us to this day.
Sometime around the latter half of the 1920s , televisions first began to make their way into Philadelphia homes. They did not become mainstream there until after the end of World War II. Philo Farnsworth and Vladimir Zworykin — two pioneers of the TV industry — even hosted the first-ever live broadcast of a football game in 1934 at our own Franklin Institute during The Great Depression.
The very initial TV Broadcasts in Philadelphia date all the way back to another Great Depression Year (1932), transmitted by the Philco Corporation’s own W3XE.
Credit: Unsplash
Last February — even for those who were not interested in an Eagles Super Bowl LIX blowout win against the Chiefs 40–22 — saw an average viewership in the United States of 127.7 million viewers and a peak viewership of 137.7 million viewers.
Two weeks ago, the first Eagles and Giants matchup drew some 15.6 million viewers. For the rematch this Monday night — of last season’s NFC Wildcard Playoff Game that drew 39.5 million viewers — I’ll be watching.
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The NFL is asking all teams to hold a moment of silence on Sunday for Dallas Cowboys rookie Marshawn Kneeland, who died this past week, ESPN reported.
The league reportedly sent a memo to all teams on Friday requesting the moment of silence, which will be followed by a message on jumbotrons that will read: “If you or someone you know is struggling or needs emotional support, please call or text 988. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24-7 to help.”
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) walks on the field during the team’s training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California, on July 25, 2024.(Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Kneeland died early Thursday morning, just days after recording his first NFL touchdown on Monday night.
The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Frisco Police Department later released statements confirming that Kneeland had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase in Texas.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) recovers a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Nov. 3, 2025.(Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
Kneeland’s agent Jonathan Perzley paid tribute to the young NFL player in a lengthy statement, remembering him for his “spirit” and “goodness.”
“I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
According to officials, DPS troopers attempted to make a traffic stop around 10:33 p.m. when the driver, later identified as Kneeland, refused to stop. Authorities engaged in a pursuit but eventually lost sight of Kneeland’s vehicle, ending the chase.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) stands on the field after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Aug. 16, 2025.(Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
His car was later found abandoned, and authorities found Kneeland dead nearby.
Frisco police, who assisted in the DPS pursuit, released a statement saying that the abandoned vehicle was found by troopers “minutes later” and that Kneeland was believed to have fled on foot.
Police said that during their search, they learned that “Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations.”
Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys after being selected 56th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. His death came just days after he recorded his first NFL touchdown in a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night.
Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.
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This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Marshawn Kneeland, who appeared in 18 games with the Dallas Cowboys since his 2024 NFL rookie season, died at the age of 24 Thursday, the team announced.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said in a statement. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
Tributes from across the sports world began pouring in Thursday. After a dedication ceremony at his former high school, Dak Prescott said losing Kneeland left him with a heavy heart.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott walks off the field after the team’s game against the Baltimore Ravens in Arlington, Texas, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
“I hurt. Heavy, heavy heart today,” Prescott told CBS News Texas. “I hurt for Marshawn, I hurt for his family, I hurt for his girlfriend, and I hurt for every single one of my teammates. This is a pain you don’t wish upon anybody.”
Cowboys defensive lineman Solomon Thomas also shared a message in honor of his late teammate.
“Brother Marshawn, I love you. I wish you knew it was going to be okay. I wish you knew the pain wouldn’t last and how loved you are. I wish you knew how bad we wanted you to stay,” Thomas posted on Instagram Friday. “My heart breaks for you and your loved ones. We will lift your spirit up everyday.”
Thomas co-founded The Defensive Line, an organization that seeks to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
Frisco police said the defensive lineman died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities responded after a driver reportedly evaded police during a chase. Responding officers found a vehicle crashed near the southbound lanes of a local parkway. Kneeland fled on foot, police reported.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland walks off the field after a game against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Sept. 15, 2024.(Tim Heitman/Imagn Images)
Earlier in the day, officers reportedly arrived at Kneeland’s home for a welfare check. A police spokesperson told NFL Network the vehicle chase was underway by the time officers made it to Kneeland’s apartment.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland after a game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Aug. 16, 2025.(Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
In a statement, the NFL confirmed that support has been extended to the Cowboys during this difficult time.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of the Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources,” the statement said.
The Cowboys selected Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He recorded the first sack of his professional football career in a season-opening game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Cowboys will not take the field this weekend due to a scheduled bye.
The Philadelphia Eagles had their bye Week 9, so they should be fresh heading into an important stretch of games against the Green Bay Packers Week 10, the Detroit Lions Week 11, and the Dallas Cowboys Week 12. The Packers initially listed 13 players on their injury report.
Here’s the Eagles-Packers injury report, with analysis.
Player
Injury
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Status
C Cam Jurgens
Knee
DNP
DNP
DNP
Out
iDL Moro Ojomo
Concussion
Limited
Full
Full
–
CB Adoree’ Jackson
Concussion
Limited
DNP
Full
–
RB Saquon Barkley
Groin
Full
Full
Full
–
WR A.J. Brown
Hamstring
Full
Full
Full
–
EDGE Nolan Smith
Triceps
Full
Full
Full
Questionable
CB Jakorian Bennett
Pectoral
Full
Full
Full
Questionable
G/C Willie Lampkin
Knee/Ankle
Full
Full
Full
Questionable
Thursday notes:
• Jurgens’ lack of practice is noteworthy coming out of the bye. His knee injury can’t be a long-term concern, seeing as the team did not place him on IR prior to their Week 8 game against the Giants. But we’ll monitor his progress (or lack thereof) as the week continues. Brett Toth played well at center against the Giants in relief of Jurgens.
• Ojomo’s limited practice status with a concussion means that he probably wouldn’t have played if the Eagles had a game Week 9. But as a limited participant in practice on Thursday, he should be good to go for Monday. Jackson, too.
• Brown said that he’s playing.
• Barkley hobbled off the field with a groin injury after a long run Week 8, and he did not return. His status was in question heading into this week. Full participation is a good result.
• The Eagles opened the 21-day practice window for Smith and he was a full participant, so his chances of playing on Monday feel pretty good.
• Brandon Graham appeared on the practice report last week. He’s not on there anymore.
Friday notes:
• Jurgens remains out. His available for Monday feels doubtful. We’ll see.
• Ojomo was a full participant. Good news for him.
• Jackson did not practice, but it was due to a personal matter.
Saturday notes:
• Jurgens is out. Toth will almost certainly start at center.
• Everyone else practiced in full on Saturday, though Smith, Bennett, and Lampkin are listed as questionable. Smith is the player who matters of the three, by far, and he is expected to play.
Notable players on IR, PUP, suspension, etc.
• EDGE Nolan Smith (IR, triceps, 21-day practice window opened): In 2024, Smith got out to a slow start, but the light seemed to come on for him after the Week 5 bye. In the 15 games he played from October on, Smith had 10.5 sacks, a pair of forced fumbles, and he did a lot of the dirty work in the defense like taking on pulling guards and burying them. He also led the NFL with four postseason sacks. He tore his triceps in the Super Bowl. Smith entered the 2025 as the team’s top edge defender. Through the first three games he had 10 tackles and 0 sacks, before “tweaking” his triceps injury.
Smith has missed five games, but the Eagles activated his 21-day practice window on Tuesday.
• CB Jakorian Bennett (IR, pectoral, 21-day practice window opened): The Eagles traded for Bennett in early August at a time when existing corners Adoree’ Jackson and Kelee Ringo were struggling during training camp.
The CB2 spot in the Eagles’ defense has not yet stabilized, so it will be interesting to see if and when Bennett gets a chance to play. The Eagles opened Bennett’s 21-day practice window prior to their Week 8 matchup against the Giants.
• WR Johnny Wilson (IR, knee/ankle, out for the season): Wilson is a massive receiver at 6’6, 228 who carved out a dirty work role as a physical blocker his rookie season in 2024, though sometimes he was a little too aggressive, as he committed four penalties (3 holding, 1 OPI). He wasn’t much of a threat as a receiver, catching only 5 passes for 38 yards and a TD. He played a little over 400 snaps, and actually started four games.
• EDGE Ogbo Okoronkwo (IR, triceps, eligible to come off of IR after Week 8, but will be out much longer than that): Okoronko was signed to provide edge depth. He played in just one game (4 snaps), before tearing his triceps.
• FB Ben VanSumeren (IR, knee, out for the season): VanSumeren was poised to take on a bigger role in the Eagles’ offense in 2025 as a full-time fullback, but he tore his patellar tendon on the opening kickoff of the season. His season is over.
• LS Charley Hughlett (IR, eligible to come off of IR at any time): Hughlett throws the ball through his legs. The Eagles signed Cal Adomitis to throw the ball through his legs in place of Hughlett.
Player
Injury
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Status
CB Nate Hobbs
Knee
DNP
DNP
DNP
Out
EDGE Lucas Van Ness
Foot
DNP
DNP
DNP
Out
WR Savion Williams
Foot
DNP
Limited
Limited
Questionable
EDGE Micah Parsons
Pectoral
Limited
Limited
Limited
–
LB Edgerrin Cooper
Foot
Limited
Limited
Full
–
LB Quay Walker
Calf
Limited
Limited
Full
–
OT Zach Tom
Back
Limited
Limited
Limited
Questionable
OG Aaron Banks
Neck
Limited
Limited
Full
–
WR Christian Watson
Knee
Limited
Limited
Limited
–
WR Matthew Golden
Shoulder
Limited
DNP
DNP
Questionable
WR Dontayvion Wicks
Calf
Limited
Limited
Limited
Questionable
DL Colby Wooden
Shoulder
Limited
Limited
Full
–
K Brandon McManus
Right quad
Full
Full
Full
–
WR Malik Heath
Hip
–
Limited
Limited
–
QB Malik Willis
Calf
–
Limited
Full
–
CB Kamal Hadden
Hamstring
–
–
Limited
–
Thursday notes:
• The Packers signed Hobbs to a four-year, $48 million deal this offseason. He’ll miss a couple of weeks, per Matt LaFleur. The Packers will likely start Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine at CB on Monday night, with Javon Bullard in the slot.
• Van Ness was the 13th overall pick in 2023, and is part of the Packers’ D-line rotation. He has 1.5 sacks, but has missed the Packers’ last three games. He did not practice on Thursday.
• The Packers’ passing game weapons are very banged up.
Tucker Kraft’s season is over (as noted below).
Jayden Reed is on IR (as noted below).
Christian Watson is on a bit of a pitch count after returning to the field from a 2024 torn ACL.
Golden left the Packers’ loss to the Panthers with a shoulder injury.
Wicks did not play Week 9 against the Panthers.
Williams got hurt against the Panthers Week 9, and also had a devastating fumble in the red zone.
• Tom is the starting RT and probably the Packers’ best lineman. He has dealt with oblique, back, and hip injuries this season.
• Banks is the starting LG. He suffered a stinger Week 9 against the Panthers, and Sean Rhyan filled in.
• Parsons is a star player, obviously, and Cooper is becoming one. Their injuries are new, and worth watching as the week progresses.
Friday notes:
• The Packers added WR Malik Heath to their injury report, as if they didn’t already have enough hurt receivers.
• Golden went from a limited participant on Thursday to a non-participant on Friday.
Saturday notes:
• Hobbs and Van Ness are out.
• The most notable player with a “questionable” designation is Tom, who has been banged up all season, as noted above.
• Three receivers — Golden, Wicks, and Williams — are all questionable, while Reed remains on IR.
Notable players on IR, PUP, suspension, etc.
• TE Tucker Kraft (IR, torn ACL, season over): Kraft was having an All-Pro type of season, with 32 catches for 489 yards and 6 TDs through the Packers’ first 8 games, but he tore his ACL during their Week 9 loss to the Carolina Panthers, and his season is over. He is the Packers’ leader in receiving yards and receiving TDs.
• WR Jayden Reed (IR, shoulder/foot, eligible to return from IR at any time): Reed is probably the Packers’ best receiver. In 2024, he led the team in receptions (55) and receiving yards (857), and had 6 TDs. He had a big game in Brazil against the Eagles, catching 4 passes for 138 yards and a TD, plus a 33-yard TD run. Reed had concurrent surgeries on a broken clavicle and a Jones fracture in his foot in September. He is eligible to come off of IR at any time, but is extremely unlikely to play Week 10 against the Eagles:
Always a welcome sign to see Jayden Reed around the rest of the WRs at practice. His timetable to return is still unknown but the expectation a couple months back was sometime in November #Packerspic.twitter.com/8N66c5aOIA
• EDGE Brenton Cox (IR, groin, eligible to return at any time): Cox is a backup edge defender who had 4 sacks in 7 games for the Packers in 2024.
• LB Nick Niemann (IR, pectoral, eligible to return after Week 12): Niemann is a sneaky important player for the Packers, as he is fifth in the NFL with 11 special teams tackles. He suffered a pectoral injury Week 8 against the Steelers.
The NFL and the Dallas Cowboys organization are mourning the death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Nov. 6. He was 24.
The second-year player was involved in a police chase in the hours leading up to his untimely demise, according to PEOPLE. But his loved ones believe his struggles with mental health, compounded with the loss of his mother two months before the NFL draft last year, contributed to his tragic end. According to reports, Kneeland sent text messages to his family and girlfriend saying goodbye before taking his own life.
The rising football star recorded his first career touchdown during the Cowboys’ Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 3., only two days before the end of his young life. During the tense time leading up to authorities locating his vehicle after losing sight of Kneeland on the highway, his girlfriend, Catalina, spoke to 9-1-1 dispatchers about her concerns for his safety.
“She’s trying to call his agent,” a dispatcher said on the recording obtained by PEOPLE. “So we’re trying to get him to call her to call him first, but she’s saying he is armed and has a history of mental illness and her quote was, ‘He will end it all.’ ”
According to reports, attempts at communicating with Kneeland went unanswered.
After being drafted in 2024, Kneeland spoke about the unexpected passing of his mother in an interview with the Dallas Morning News.
“It was definitely tough,” he said. “I just managed it. She helped me a lot in my younger years getting into football. I always had the dream. I always told her, ‘I’m going to the NFL’ and I made it.”
The Michigan native was drafted to the Cowboys during the second round of the draft with the team’s owner, Jerry Jones, personally calling Kneeland to deliver the news.
The team dedicated a post to Kneeland on Instagram, saying,
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
“Mental health is real and those episodes are a nightmare for the person going thru it & the family members involved! My husband & I tried to raise awareness & the narrative was changed to me controlling him,” she said in a caption. “Me putting a spell on him! How DISGUSTING! WHY? All Because he’s a responsible adult who has finally accepted he has mental health issues & did something about it! Now he no longer has episodes and is in a really good space in his LIFE & it’s made fun of!!! SHAME ON YALL’!!! WE need to do better as a community! Everything is not a joke ! If u have never dealt with someone with mental health please sit this one out!”
She definitely has a point: mental health issues are very serious and can have lasting consequences for many. Our prayers are with the Kneeland family.
Before heading off into their bye week the Kansas City Chiefs suffered a 28-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
During the contest, star tight end Travis Kelce suffered a bone-crunching hit from Bills defensive back Cole Bishop that had the three-time Super Bowl champion catching his breath. Kelce admitted “it knocked the wind out of me” and revealed he was forced to get checked out at halftime.
“It knocked the wind out of me. It caught me – I got kind of sandwiched in there. You know you’re OK, but you gotta just kind of …” Kelce said while pretending to try to catch his breath.
“’Go into the blue tent. You got the wind knocked out,’” he said recalling what an official told him to do during the latest episode of New Heights. “Why do I go into … No, it was at halftime. I had to get evaluated in the locker room. I just said, ‘Why, what is this?’
“‘What day is it?’ F—ing Sunday,” he continued. “What? … Before a concussion or after a concussion, I don’t know who we played last week. We’re in Week 9. Are you kidding me? You’re gonna make me sit here and f—ing … Who did we play last? The Commanders.”
The hit from Bishop on Kelce wasn’t flagged on the play – though the league has a habit of calling such a hit on a defenseless receiver.
After all, the orange and blue went 2-0 over the last seven days to extend Denver’s lead atop the AFC West with an 8-2 record. The Broncos set up a showdown with the Chiefs (5-4) at Empower Field on Nov. 16 that could officially end the Mahomes-Reid stranglehold on the division.
It’s how they got there. A victory over the Texans (18-15) was due to a brilliant defense and a very timely injury to Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud. A win over the Raiders (10-7) on Thursday night was an exercise in sheer agony. Brilliant defense again, but mostly agony.
Payton insisted midweek that he had everything he needed inside Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit. Against Vegas, his offense showed him otherwise.
Several reports over the last few weeks had the Broncos sniffing around at offensive additions, primarily at wide receiver. Denver was allegedly a suitor for New Orleans wideout Rashid Shaheed, only to be pipped by the Seahawks.
NFL reporter Jordan Schultz then claimed the Broncos reached out to the Dolphins to inquire about Shaheed clone Jaylen Waddle, only to find the reported asking price — a first-round draft pick, at the least — to be too steep.
Considering the Colts (7-2) coughed up two first-round picks to free star cornerback Sauce Gardner from the Jets, it puzzled the kids in the GTW offices why the Broncos wouldn’t consider a corresponding move in kind. Nix will only be on a rookie contract for so long, and the Broncos’ cap situation improves significantly in 2026.
Waddle would be an upgrade over Troy Franklin. But we’re not sure he’d be a significant improvement over Marvin Mims Jr., assuming the latter is good to go. And it would be a waste of a first-rounder to land a guy that Sean Payton would likely just be asking to block on screens anyway.
DePodesta is a Rockie! — C
The GTW gang is torn on this one. We’re mildly and pleasantly surprised that Rockies CEO Dick Monfort hired a director of baseball operations from a) outside the organization; and b) outside his genetic family tree. Baby steps, after all, are still steps.
That said, Paul DePodesta coming to Colorado is, if not straight outta left field, at least from the gap in left-center.
DePodesta was at the forefront of the analytics movement in baseball, although that forefront was multiple decades ago – the “Peter Brand” character in the movie “Moneyball” was based on DePodesta and his work with Billy Beane.
Not Peter Brand also hasn’t worked for a baseball club in 10 years. During that aforementioned decade, he was pulling strings behind the scenes with the Cleveland Browns, who might be the NFL’s equivalent of the Rockies in terms of dysfunction. With the Browns, he was part of the trade that brought Deshaun Watson to Cleveland for six draft picks — six! — and then agreed to ink Watson to a five-year, $230-million deal. Which panned out for the Browns even worse than that trade-and-sign with Russell Wilson worked for the Broncos.
We’ll try to keep an open mind, here, although we can’t shake the feeling that Monfort thought he was actually hiring actor Jonah Hill, who played Brand in “Moneyball.” Although if Paul can somehow get Kris Bryant off the books, he’ll already be a 70% improvement over Bill Schmidt.
Fox Sports has let go of NFL analyst Mark Sanchez and hired Drew Brees in his place.
“We can confirm that Mark Sanchez is no longer with the network. There will be no further comment at this time,” a Fox Sports spokesman told The Associated Press and NBC News on Friday.
Sanchez has been off the air since police said he was stabbed during a fight with a truck driver outside an Indianapolis hotel on Oct. 4. He was in Indianapolis for Fox’s coverage of the Oct. 5 game between the Colts and the Las Vegas Raiders. Sanchez faces a felony battery charge, along with several misdemeanor charges, for what prosecutors have said was a fight over parking. Sanchez and Fox Sports also face a civil lawsuit filed by the driver, 69-year-old Perry Tole.
Brees will replace Sanchez on Fox’s No. 4 NFL crew and will team up with play-by-play announcer Adam Amin and sideline reporter Kristina Pink. Brees’ first game will be Nov. 16.
Brees retired from the NFL following the 2020 season after a 20-year career with the San Diego Chargers and New Orleans, including leading the Saints to their only Super Bowl title during the 2009 season.
He joined NBC in 2021 as an analyst for Notre Dame college football games and was in the studio most Sundays for “Football Night in America.” Brees called a wild card game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals. NBC and Brees parted ways a couple months later.
Brees made a studio appearance during “Fox NFL Sunday” earlier this season and is slated to be an analyst for one of Netflix’s two Christmas Day games.
“Drew is one of the best to ever play the game, and we couldn’t be more excited to have his prolific credentials and unique insights as part of our coverage on Sundays,” said Brad Zager, Fox Sports president of production & operations and executive producer. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Fox Sports family.”
Brees added in a statement that he appreciated the opportunity to join Fox and that “I hope my passion for this game is reflected in the knowledge and insights I provide to the fans each Sunday.”
In his first year of eligibility, Brees is among the list of 52 modern-era players being considered for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
Brees remains second all-time in league history in passing yards (80,358) and passing touchdowns (571).
While Brees takes over, Sanchez’s legal issues will go on.
An Indianapolis judge scheduled his trial to begin on Dec. 11.
A police affidavit alleges that Sanchez, smelling of alcohol, accosted Tole, who had backed his truck into a hotel’s loading docks in downtown Indianapolis on Oct. 4. Tole claims in his lawsuit that Sanchez entered the truck without permission, then physically blocked and shoved Tole, who then doused Sanchez with pepper spray.
When Sanchez advanced after being sprayed, Tole pulled a knife to defend himself, authorities said.
Sanchez was hospitalized with stab wounds to his upper right torso, according to a police affidavit. A picture of Tole circulating online shows him in a neck brace on a hospital bed, covered in blood with a deep slash to the side of his face.
Sanchez had a 10-year NFL career before retiring in 2019. He spent four seasons with the New York Jets and also appeared in games with Philadelphia, Dallas and Washington.
He appeared on ABC and ESPN for two years before joining Fox Sports as a game analyst in 2021.
The NFL’s trade deadline has come and gone. Many teams attempted to improve their rosters via trade market, some bad teams went for the addition-by-subtraction approach, some teams just stood pat, and two team truly took an enormous swing.
Time will tell if these decisions were the right ones for the respective teams, but here’s a look at our winners and losers from the deadline moves:
Winners 🍾🍾🍾
Philadelphia Eagles: Although they really could’ve used a no-doubt-about-it cornerback opposite Quinyon Mitchell, the right market didn’t surface for them. Did they panic? No. They strengthened their pass rush with a no-brainer addition of Jaelan Phillips for a third-rounder and added two defensive backs (Michael Carter II, Jaire Alexander) at low cost for depth and optionality. If all else fails at corner, they can move Cooper DeJean outside and play Carter at nickelback. Either way, the defense is in better shape now than before the deadline.
Baltimore Ravens: With improved health in the secondary, the Ravens needed help in the pass rush to make up for the loss of Pro Bowl iDL Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) for the season. The trade for Titans OLB Dre’Mont Jones is the perfect addition to a defense that has just 11 sacks and has relied too much on blitzing.
New York Jets: They got two first-round picks from the Colts for CB Sauce Gardner, who made All-Pro in his first two seasons but has since regressed some, and another from Dallas for DT Quinnen Williams along with a second-rounder from Dallas. The Jets need a future quarterback, and new GM Darren Mougey now has plenty of ammo to move up in the draft for one – five first-round picks over the next two seasons – and rebuild the roster. It’s risky to give up on proven talent for assets, but the Jets need as many chips as possible to find their future QB.
Seattle Seahawks: Sam Darnold is on fire, and the Seahawks needed to capitalize on it by giving him more firepower. With his blazing speed, former Saints WR Rashid Shaheed will be an ideal deep-threat complement to emerging star WR Jaxson Smith-Njigba, who can do damage at all levels of the field. Shaheed already knows the offense, as Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak held the same position last season for New Orleans. Shaheed could push the Seahawks ahead in the tight NFC West race. A fourth- and fifth-round pick wasn’t too much for what Shaheed brings.
Los Angeles Rams: You might’ve forgotten they acquired CB Roger McCreary from the Titans last week, or you might not have even known who McCary is. It’s not a splashy move but McCreary can play the slot, which lets the Rams use emerging star DB Quintin Lake in a hybrid playmaking role on the back end. The Rams play exotic coverages that blend well with their young, imposing defensive front. Having McCreary and Lake patrol the defensive backfield alleviates some of their issues at outside corner.
Losers 🤯🤯🤯
Dallas Cowboys: Decided to “upgrade” the NFL’s second-worst defense by trading for a linebacker who couldn’t even get on the field for the NFL’s worst defense. You can’t make this up. Maybe LB Logan Wilson wasn’t the best scheme fit for Al Golden’s defense in Cincinnati but it’s hard to see him as the savior for a Cowboys defense that has holes everywhere, especially the secondary. Then they traded a first-round and second-round pick along with DT Mazi Smith for DT Quinnen Williams, a Pro Bowl lineman who surely helps their defensive front but is also on his second contract. How many more good years will they get from Williams compared to what a first-round pick could give them? Giving up multiple high picks is the kind of move a team makes if the player being acquired is the difference-maker for a Super Bowl run. Dallas isn’t one or two moves from Super Bowl contention. The Cowboys should’ve saved their assets.
Indianapolis Colts: Giving up two first-round picks and a top-55 pick in WR Adonai Mitchell for CB Sauce Gardner only works if a) Gardner regains All-Pro form, and b) if the Colts are committed to QB Daniel Jones for the future. What happens if Jones, who just struggled against the Steelers, regresses in the second half? If Jones isn’t the long-term answer, the Colts have no ammo to get another quarterback. Also, Gardner’s base salary balloons to more than $20 million annually for the next three seasons, so Gardner needs to play like a top-five corner for this to work out. I appreciate the big swing from GM Chris Ballard, but it could be a swing from his ankles.
Green Bay Packers: Despite losing star TE Tucker Kraft for the season, Green Bay sat still and didn’t try to help an offense that’s sporadic or a defense that could’ve used some assistance in the secondary. Browns TE David N’Joku would’ve been a solid add, especially with as many two-tight end formations that the Packers like to employ. After making a titanic splash to compete for a Super Bowl by trading for Micah Parsons, Green Bay’s quiet trade deadline is disappointing. The Packers are still good, but they missed an opportunity to become elite.
Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags at 5-3 aren’t serious contenders. They just barely beat the Raiders and recently lost Travis Hunter to injured reserve from a knee injury he suffered at practice. Spencer Rattler, Geno Smith, Carson Wentz and Bryce Young all have higher passer ratings than Trevor Lawrence (71.5). The new GM should be pawning off RB Travis Etienne and other pieces to stockpile draft picks. Instead, the Jags surrendered two picks for WR Jakobi Meyers, a seventh-year slot receiver who has had one 1,000-yard season for a bad Raiders team. Even worse, Meyers will be a free agent after the season. That’s a dubious overpay for two months of a slot receiver.
Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes is a few yards away from being their second-leading rusher and one rushing touchdown from sharing the team lead. Isiah Pacheco is hurt again and can’t be relied on to stay healthy. The Chiefs couldn’t find a way to do better here? There’s a bunch of ball carriers out there who could’ve helped – Jerome Ford, Tony Pollard, maybe even Breece Hall. They missed an opportunity to ease the burden on Mahomes.
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The AFC West-leading Denver Broncos (7-2) ride a six-game winning streak into Thursday night’s prime-time matchup against the struggling Las Vegas Raiders (2-6) at Empower Field at Mile High.
How to Watch Raiders vs Broncos
When: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Time: 8:15 PM ET
TV Channel: ABC (KTNV – Las Vegas), ABC (KMGH – Denver) (Local Only)
Will Lutz kicked a 34-yard field goal as time expired on Sunday to lift the Broncos to an 18-15 road win over the Houston Texans. The defense kept the Texans out of the end zone, surrendering five field goals, and the offense drove 48 yards in 50 seconds to set up Lutz’s game-winning kick. Bo Nix threw two touchdown passes in an inconsistent showing, as he was just 18-of-37 for 173 yards and threw an interception. On the season, Nix has completed 61.2% of his throws for 1,976 yards and 17 touchdowns with six picks, while J.K. Dobbins leads the ground attack with 695 yards at a 5.1-yard-per-carry clip.
Las Vegas closed to within a point with 16 seconds left in overtime on Sunday, but Geno Smith’s potential game-winning two-point conversion pass was batted down as the Raiders took their second straight loss, 30-29, to the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars. Smith was 29-of-39 for 284 yards and four touchdowns, three to Brock Bowers, who finished with 12 receptions for 127 yards. On Tuesday, Las Vegas traded its top target, receiver Jakobi Meyers, to the Jaguars for two third-day picks in next year’s draft.
This is a great NFL football matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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The Dallas Cowboys announced Thursday morning that Marshawn Kneeland, their second-year defensive end, had died at the age of 24. “It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said in a statement.
Kneeland was found dead early Thursday after a police pursuit on Wednesday night, during which Texas state troopers attempted to pull over his vehicle. He reportedly fled the scene and was later located with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
A second‐round draft pick out of Western Michigan Broncos (56th overall in 2024), Kneeland spent two seasons with the Cowboys and had just recovered a blocked punt for his first NFL touchdown on Monday night, days before his tragic passing.
His agent, Jonathan Perzley, remembered him as a fighter: “I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field.” (ABC)
The news shook the NFL community. Beyond the statistics and the on-field plays, the focus now turns to support, awareness, and the underlying struggles athletes may face beyond the spotlight.
Miami-Dade authorities have issued an arrest warrant for ex-NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown, charging him with attempted murder with a firearm following a May altercation outside a celebrity boxing event
Former NFL standout Antonio Brown, 36, is now the subject of a Miami-Dade County arrest warrant on a charge of attempted murder with a firearm stemming from a shooting May 16, outside a celebrity boxing event. According to the warrant, Brown allegedly seized a handgun from a security staffer and fired two shots at a man identified as Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, after allegedly punching him. One of the bullets is reported to have grazed Nantambu’s neck. Surveillance and cellphone video obtained by investigators show Brown advancing toward Nantambu, holding a weapon, and discharging it while standing just several feet away. Brown was extradited from Dubai back to the United States on Thursday, November 6th. Brown has been vocal about the incident on social media.
#News – Ex-NFL star Antonio Brown was arrested following an altercation that led to gunshots—allegedly fired by Brown—outside Adin Ross’s boxing event last night. He was released shortly after and appeared on Adin Ross’s stream😳| #ONLYinDADEpic.twitter.com/CdDNjdE6vD
The warrant sets Brown’s bond at $10,000 and mandates house arrest upon arrest. Currently, he is listed as “wanted” by authorities.
Brown was temporarily detained by police at the scene of the May incident after officers were alerted to gunfire near the Boxing event hosted by streamer Adin Ross. Although no one was arrested at that time and no weapon was recovered, two shell casings and an empty holster were found. In a social-media post following the event, Brown reportedly claimed he had been “jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal my jewelry and cause physical harm to me,” and said he was released after providing his statement to police. He added, “I WENT HOME THAT NIGHT AND WAS NOT ARRESTED.”
Credit: Miami-Dade County Circuit Court
Brown took to his X account in June and stated, “That guy (referring to the alleged victim) is a fraud, liar, stalker & criminal He was arrested in 2022 for stealing 6 figures of jewelry from me He then showed up at my show at rolling loud in 2023 trying to assault me Then in May he snuck into a gate at the event and came right up to me trying to steal from me and threaten my life Media hasn’t told this story yet… instead painting a false picture of me That night I was fighting for my life with his intentions.”
That guy is a fraud, liar, stalker & criminal
He was arrested in 2022 for stealing 6 figures of jewelry from me
He then showed up at my show at rolling loud in 2023 trying to assault me
Then in May he snuck into a gate at the event and came right up to me trying to steal from… https://t.co/x6i3PkP50b
Second-degree attempted murder with a firearm carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine under Florida law. Brown’s involvement in this incident adds to a long list of legal controversies following his NFL career. Brown, once a seven-time Pro Bowl receiver who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has faced lawsuits for domestic violence, unpaid child support and other off-field issues.
The Miami-Dade police department declined to comment on the investigation.
Many called the New York Jets the winners of the NFL trade deadline.
The team shipped off superstars Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams and brought back three first-round picks, a second-round pick, and former second-round receiver Adonai Mitchell to help first-year head coach Aaron Glenn build a more competitive team next season.
With five first-rounders over the next two drafts, many expect the Jets to use those picks to draft a franchise quarterback, and given the caliber of QB play in the rest of the division, that leaves the Miami Dolphins as the odd team out.
Though Miami locked up QB Tua Tagovailoa to a four-year, $212 million extension last year, the 27-year-old signal-caller hasn’t played up to that massive deal this season. The Alabama alum has struggled, throwing for 1,779 yards, 15 touchdowns, and an NFL-high 11 interceptions, and his 87.6 passer rating is his lowest since his rookie year (87.1).
Because Tagovailoa appears to have regressed, ESPN’s Adam Schefter believes the Dolphins could position themselves to trade the former No. 5 overall pick, along with a few others like Bradley Chubb who didn’t get moved at the deadline, once the season ends to stockpile more picks to potentially draft their next QB of the future as well.
“Think about the Miami Dolphins here — Josh Allen is in Buffalo, Drake Maye is in New England, the New York Jets are going to be getting a high-profile quarterback in the next two years, whether it’s the draft class of 2026 or 27 or both,” Schefter said on the latest episode of “The Adam Schefter Podcast.”
“And Miami has Tua down there; at some point in time, we’ll expect them to be searching for a new quarterback. … [They’re situation] could lead in the offseason to the Dolphins being more aggressive and willing to listen to trades revolving around their players to get as much draft capital as a team like the New York Jets now has.”
It’s been speculated that Tagovailoa is one more bad performance away from being benched for either Zach Wilson or rookie Quinn Ewers. Both have played this season with Tagovailoa pulled in garbage time.
With the number of QBs expected to go in the first round of the 2026 draft — Alabama’s Ty Simpson, Oregon’s Dante Moore, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier — it’s possible the Dolphins could stockpile enough ammunition to trade up to the No. 1 overall pick (they’re currently projected to draft fourth overall themselves) to ensure they get whichever QB they want.
Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown has been arrested following his extradition from Dubai to Miami. Authorities confirmed he faces a second-degree attempted murder with a firearm charge connected to a May 16 shooting.
Investigators say Brown allegedly fired a gun during an altercation outside a celebrity boxing event in Miami. A man was reportedly grazed in the neck after Brown grabbed a security guard’s weapon and fired twice. Miami-Dade police issued a warrant for his arrest in June, setting a $10,000 bond and requesting his surrender.
Brown, who had traveled overseas before the warrant was issued, was detained in Dubai and later extradited back to the United States. His attorney says Brown maintains his innocence and claims he acted in self-defense after being attacked.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers star has faced multiple legal issues since leaving the NFL, including domestic disputes and financial lawsuits. If convicted, Brown could face up to 15 years in prison. The case remains under investigation, and Brown is expected to appear in court later this week.
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Police in a Dallas suburb say 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was found dead of an apparent suicide after evading authorities in his vehicle and fleeing the scene of an accident on foot.
Frisco police said Thursday they are investigating the possible suicide. They said Kneeland didn’t stop for Texas Department of Public Safety troopers over a traffic violation in a chase that was joined by Frisco police on Wednesday night.
Authorities lost sight of the vehicle before locating it crashed minutes later. During the search after Kneeland fled the crash site on foot, officers said they received word that Kneeland might be suicidal. He was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound early Thursday morning, about three hours after the crash, police said without specifying where Kneeland’s body was found.
___
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org. Helplines outside the U.S. can be found at www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts. ___
Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys. He was a 2024 second-round draft pick out of Western Michigan.
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, said in a statement that asked for privacy. “Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
Kneeland’s rookie season was off to a promising start before he was sidelined for five games by a knee injury.
Kneeland had his first career sack in the season opener this year against Philadelphia. He played in seven games this season, missing two with an ankle injury.
“Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization,” the Cowboys said. “Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
The Cowboys have frequently sought pass rushers and other defensive linemen in the first two rounds of the draft. Kneeland was drafted a year after defensive end Sam Williams was taken by Dallas in the second round. Williams blocked the punt that Kneeland recovered against the Cardinals.
Kneeland’s mother, Wendy Kneeland, died suddenly while he was preparing for the draft. He had his mother’s ashes in a necklace he wore after joining the Cowboys, according to The Dallas Morning News.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the NFL said. “We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources.”
Miami Dolphins receivers coach Robert Prince, who had the same position with the Cowboys when Kneeland was a rookie last year, had tears in his eyes as he met with reporters Thursday.
“We spent a lot of time (together) when he was injured and working out in the weight room,” Prince said. “We’d shoot the breeze. He was a Western Michigan kid and I coached with the Lions for a while so we had some Michigan-type stories. Good kid. I’m sorry to hear that about him.”
Kneeland had a career-high 57 tackles along with 4 1/2 sacks in nine games as a senior at Western Michigan.
“My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland,” Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor said. “His leadership, energy and smile were infectious, and he left a lasting impact on everyone in our program. Having coached him during my first season here, we developed a special bond that went far beyond football.”
Tributes poured in from around the NFL, including Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who raised the topic of suicide awareness with a reporter during training camp this year.
“It sucks seeing the news of our NFL brother!” Simmons wrote on X. “Even when someone is carrying the biggest smile, make sure to just check in on them. You just never know man. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, we all go through things that we sometimes hide!”
Two of Kneeland’s Dallas teammates, quarterback Dak Prescott and defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, had siblings who died by suicide and have foundations supporting suicide awareness and prevention. Thomas’ sister, Ella, was the same age as Kneeland.
For the gambling degenerates, here are my Week 10 NFL picks. The team logos indicate who I think will win the game, not necessarily cover the spread. At the end of the picks, I’ll note a few teams that I like based on the spread.
Raiders at Broncos (-9): The Broncos and Patri*ts have the longest winning streaks in the NFL, at 6 games each. Denver has a point differential on the season of +68; the Raiders have a point differential of -78. Easy survivor pool pick here, as we’ll get to momentarily.
Falcons at Colts (-6.5): If the Falcons lose this game, they’re heading to the graveyard in our NFC Hierarchy/Obituary. The Colts played their first truly bad game of the season Week 9. It’ll be interesting to see if they can bounce back. (Also, this will be Sauce Gardner’s first game in Indy after the Colts swung a blockbuster deal for him.)
Browns (-2.5) at Jets: The Jets made two blockbuster trades at the deadline:
They traded CB Sauce Gardner to the Colts for a first-round pick in 2026, a first-round pick in 2027, and WR Adonai Mitchell.
They traded DT Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys (lol) for a first-round pick in 2027, a second-round pick in 2026, and DT Mazi Smith.
Obviously, that’s a whole lot of draft capital, but also losing two of their best players will aid in efforts to tank for the No. 1 overall pick.
Saints at Panthers (-5.5): It’s pretty incredible that the Panthers have a winning record in November with the roster they have. They have a chance to be 6-4! For those of you still alive in survivor pools… got the stones to take them? (I don’t.)
Bills (-9.5) at Dolphins: The Bills swept the Dolphins in 2023 and 2024, and coming soon, 2025.
Jaguars (-1.5) at Texans: The Texans haven’t been that bad this season, despite their 3-5 record. They just haven’t been able to win close games. They have a +47 point differential at 3-5, while the Jags have a -8 point differential at 5-3. The Texans have also played a harder schedule so far, in my opinion. I think they’re the better team.
But, C.J. Stroud has a concussion and won’t play. I’d really love to take the Texans at home with points but I just can’t make that one of my spread picks this week.
Ravens (-4) at Vikings: The Ravens feel primed to go on a run with Lamar Jackson back at quarterback, and their defense has been better in recent weeks after a putrid start to the season.
Patriots at Buccaneers (-2.5): As noted above, the Patri*ts have a six-game winning streak, tied for the best in the NFL. Credit them for taking care of business, but they have also played the weakest schedule in the NFL, per Inpredictable. That streak ends Week 10 in Tampa against a good Bucs team coming off their bye.
Giants at Bears (-4.5): The Bears are a “bad 5-3 team,” but the Giants are a “bad 2-7 team.” This line was Bears (-2.5) earlier in the week, and I was ready to jump all over that, but it’s not quite as tasty at 4.5.
Cardinals at Seahawks (-6.5): The Seahawks have won eight straight in this rivalry, including a matchup earlier this season. But also, the Seahawks look like they might be a pretty good football team.
Lions (-7.5) at Commanders: The Commanders are dead. Jayden Daniels’ season is very likely over, and their defense sucks. Meanwhile, the Lions probably can’t wait to light up the Commanders in their building after the Commanders ended their season in the playoffs last year. I don’t normally like laying more than 7 points, but I’ll make an exception here.
Rams (-4.5) at 49ers: The 49ers are now without Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and rookie 11th overall pick Mykel Williams for the season. Meanwhile, the Rams are extremely healthy for a Week 10 game. It doesn’t matter to me whether Brock Purdy or Mac Jones starts. The Rams are a much better team either way.
Steelers at Chargers (-3): The Steelers have lost six straight playoff games, while Justin Herbert is 0-2 in the playoffs. So I guess that makes this matchup the One And Done Bowl. I don’t like this Steelers team even a little bit, but they have a huge matchup advantage with their edge rushers against a Chargers offensive line that is without Rashawn Slater and now also Joe Alt.
Eagles at Packers (-2.5): The Eagles should be rested and spry coming out of the bye, and they probably played their best football of the season in the two games preceding it.
• Passing game starting to come together while keeping opposing defenses guessing… ✔️
• Rushing attack showing signs of life… ✔️
• Interior defensive line beginning to make some noise… ✔️
• Edge rusher reinforcements on the way… ✔️
Meanwhile, the Packers lost an ugly game at home to the Panthers Week 9. They will be without their best weapon in the passing game in TE Tucker Kraft, and likely also without their best wide receiver, Jayden Reed. Those guys do a lot of damage in the intermediate areas of the field as well as after the catch in ways that their other receivers do not.
The Packers have talent, and their defense has been very good so far this season. They are stout against the run, and then obviously Micah Parsons has given their pass rush a big jolt. However, they have only forced five turnovers this season, second-worst in the NFL, and they’re playing an Eagles team that has only turned it over three times this season, least in the NFL.
I like the Eagles’ chances of winning the turnover battle, and in turn, the game.
BYE: Cowboys, Chiefs, Bengals, Titans.
Survivor pick ☠️
In doing a look-ahead a couple weeks ago, the Broncos were always the plan for this week, as they are home against the Raiders Thursday night. Don’t forget to get that pick in, if you plan on using them. Do it now. Don’t procrastinate.
The Lions and Bills are obvious choices as well. I dare you to take the Panthers 😈.
Week 1: Eagles ✅
Week 2: Ravens ✅
Week 3: Bills ✅
Week 4: Broncos ✅
Week 5: Lions ✅
Week 6: Packers ✅
Week 7: Chiefs ✅
Week 8: Colts ✅
Week 9: Rams ✅
Week 10: Broncos
• Picks against the spread: Ravens (-4), Buccaneers (-2.5), Lions (-7.5), Eagles (+2.5).
The Kansas City Chiefs have a bye this week, and Travis Kelce is not letting anyone know his plans for the time off.
Kelce, 36, said his focus during the bye was on the Denver Broncos, the Chiefs’ first opponent after the break.
“I’m thinking about how the f— are we gonna beat the Denver Broncos? That’s gonna be on my mind for the next two weeks,” Kelce said when asked about his bye-week plans during a recent episode of “New Heights.”
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) walks the sideline before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. The game took place in Orchard Park, New York, on Nov. 2, 2025.(Mark Konezny/Imagn Images)
Jason Kelce asked his brother if he had any plans for the time off.
“Well, for the next week at least, take your mind a little bit elsewhere. What are you doing, anything fun? You’re gonna get into travel? What are you doing here? What are you doing over the week? Tell us about your personal life,” Jason asked with a smile.
Travis promptly responded to his brother, “No. No chance.”
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, right, catches a pass as Buffalo Bills defensive back Jordan Hancock, left, defends during the second half of an NFL football game. The game took place in Orchard Park, New York, on Nov. 2, 2025.(Sue Ogrocki/AP Photo)
Jason then said, “See you guys!” as he pretended to end the podcast after failing to elicit a response from his brother.
The Chiefs dropped to 5-4 on the season with their 28-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. If the season ended after Week 9, the Chiefs would not be in the playoffs.
Kelce had four catches for 66 yards in the loss. The 10-time Pro Bowler has 41 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns through nine games this season.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (29) is congratulated by teammate Travis Kelce (87) after scoring during the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills. The game took place in Orchard Park, New York, on Nov. 2, 2025.(Adrian Kraus/AP Photo)
Kelce’s 540 yards are the most of any tight end in football this season.
The Chiefs’ next game against the AFC West-leading Broncos (7-2) is on Nov. 16.
