Micah Parsons Reflects on Loss,Advocates for Mental Health Awareness
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons addressed reporters this week,sharing heartfelt reflections on the recent passing of former teammate,defensive end Sam Kneeland. The conversation quickly evolved into a broader discussion about the immense pressures faced by professional athletes and the critical importance of mental health support.
Parsons didn’t shy away from acknowledging the harsh realities of life in the spotlight. “We’d be fools to pretend this isn’t a pressure cooker,” he stated. He described the intense scrutiny and often brutal criticism athletes endure, noting the ease with which people resort to negativity. “You suck, you stink, we hope you die’ - there’s a lot of harsh words thrown around.” He lamented the tendency to onyl recognize the human cost after a tragedy.
He emphasized the need to support individuals, not just players. “Mental health is about being there for each other,through hard times and everything else. It’s tough being a person sometimes,” Parsons said, adding that people often forget athletes are, first and foremost, human beings. “Sometimes you wish things were different because… it was Marshawn the person we wish we could’ve been there for, not Marshawn the uniform.” He expressed a commitment to prioritizing the personal well-being of those around him over their athletic persona.
The news of Kneeland’s death came during the Cowboys’ bye week, allowing Parsons to be among the first current or former teammates to publicly address the situation. He shared that having family nearby in green Bay,ahead of Sunday’s game against the Eagles,provided some comfort during a difficult time.
parsons urged everyone to prioritize connection and compassion. “We shoudl all just stay prayed up, keep praying for loved ones, and that people find peace,” he said.He also spoke about a personal realization sparked by the tragedy, prompting him to reach out to former teammates and reflect on the preciousness of time. “Life’s just so short, so we should really start appreciating a little bit more and loving people right.”
He described the profound impact of losing a teammate,comparing it to losing a brother,highlighting the intense bonds forged through shared struggle and dedication. “The NFL is a brotherhood. If you’re breaking sweat and blood with someone, it doesn’t matter if they’re on the opposite team. It’s a brotherhood.” He acknowledged the challenge of balancing grief with the demands of the upcoming game, stating, “We gotta find a way because there’s an expectation come Monday night.”
Parsons learned of Kneeland’s death early Thursday morning and subsequently discovered the cause was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities reported responding to a vehicle pursuit involving Kneeland on Wednesday night, which ended with the vehicle crashed in Frisco, Texas. Kneeland fled the scene, and a search ensued. During the search, dispatchers relayed data that Kneeland had sent a farewell text message to people he knew, raising concerns for his well-being. He was later found with a fatal gunshot wound.
(ESPN’s Todd Archer contributed to this report.)
