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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).
NFL broadcaster Cris Collinsworth came under scrutiny for comments he made about the Dallas Cowboys’ season when they fell to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night.
Collinsworth repeatedly mentioned the suicide of defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland during the game. He brought it up when talking about the team’s overall struggles and Micah Parsons’ trade to the Green Bay Packers.
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Cris Collinsworth looks on during the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Philadelphia Eagles on October 22, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field. (Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
He mentioned Kneeland’s death at least twice during the broadcast.
NFL fans tuning in to the game were quick to jump on Collinsworth for the mention.
Kneeland died by suicide on November 6 from what Texas authorities said was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Before he died, Kneeland led police on a 160-mph chase and frantic search.
Officials said pursuing officers initially did not know it was Kneeland behind the wheel of the vehicle, believing it was a stolen car pursuit. After Kneeland crashed the vehicle and exited, officers learned the suspect was Kneeland. The NFL player’s family and friends feared he would hurt himself as he sent text messages saying goodbye to them.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) walks off the field after the game against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on September 15, 2024. (Tim Heitman/Imagn Images)
The Cowboys and the rest of the NFL mourned Kneeland’s death.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the league said. “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 day before he died, Kneeland scored his first career touchdown on a blocked punt against the Arizona Cardinals.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) takes the field during the team’s training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, Calif., on July 25, 2024. (Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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He was drafted 56th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan. He recorded 149 total tackles and 12.5 sacks over three seasons, with 2023 being his best with 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
