Eagles Announce Comprehensive Mental Health Initiative Following Tragic Death of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — November 10, 2025.
The Philadelphia Eagles have announced a comprehensive mental health initiative in honor of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, whose tragic death by suicide at just 24 years old shook the entire NFL community.

Team owner Jeffrey Lurie and head coach Nick Sirianni unveiled the new program Monday morning at the NovaCare Complex, emphasizing that emotional and psychological care must be treated with the same urgency as physical injuries.

“We can’t pretend this game doesn’t take a toll on the mind,” said Lurie. “Pressure, pain, expectation — it can all pile up. Our duty as an organization is to ensure that no one carries that weight alone. This is about life, not just football.”

A NEW STANDARD FOR MENTAL WELL-BEING IN THE NFL

Under the newly announced initiative, the Eagles will expand and reinforce their mental health infrastructure with a multi-tiered approach — a plan some experts are calling the most comprehensive in the league to date.

1. Expanding Professional Support

• Tripling the size of the Eagles’ mental health department — from one licensed clinician to a full team of three psychologists and therapists.

2. Training for Awareness and Prevention

• All coaches, trainers, and staff will undergo mandatory training to identify early signs of anxiety, depression, or burnout — including mood changes, social withdrawal, or insomnia.

3. Monthly Wellness Workshops

• Conducting regular sessions covering topics like stress management, substance abuse prevention, and emotional recovery from brain trauma (CTE).

4. Post-Retirement Care

• The program also extends beyond the field — providing free mental health checkups, therapy sessions, and life transition counseling for retired players adjusting to life after football.

JEFFREY LURIE: “THIS IS ABOUT BUILDING A CULTURE OF CARE.”

For decades, the Eagles have prided themselves on their commitment to community and leadership off the field. But Lurie says this new direction marks a “cultural shift” — one that puts player well-being above performance.

“Winning is what we all strive for,” Lurie said. “But if we lose sight of the human beings wearing the helmets, then we’ve failed. This isn’t a PR move — it’s a moral obligation.”

Head coach Nick Sirianni echoed that sentiment:

“We talk about family all the time in this building. Family means being there when it’s dark — not just when we’re winning.”

EAGLES PLAYERS REACT

The announcement drew an emotional response from the locker room.
Rookie defensive end Johnny Wilson, who has spoken openly about his struggles adjusting to NFL life, shared how much this initiative means to players.

“People think we’re invincible because we wear pads,” Wilson said quietly. “But sometimes it’s not your body that breaks — it’s your mind. Knowing the team has our back like this… that changes everything.”

Veteran cornerback Darius Slay added:

“We lost one of our own in Marshawn. You can’t just move on from that. You honor him by making sure no one else falls through the cracks.”

LEGACY BEYOND TRAGEDY

While the initiative was inspired by the devastating loss of Marshawn Kneeland, Eagles leadership made clear that this effort isn’t about one moment — it’s about the future.

The program is designed to be long-term and league-wide, with the hope that other franchises will adopt similar models. The Eagles plan to present the framework at the NFL’s winter meetings in December.

“If this helps even one player find hope — if it saves one life — then it’s worth everything,” said Lurie.

The announcement ended with a moment of silence for Marshawn Kneeland, followed by the reading of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline message across the stadium’s screen:

“If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988. Help is available 24/7.”

As the crowd stood in silence, one truth echoed louder than ever —
Football is a game. Life is everything.