Greg Ellis reflects on emotional last conversation with Marshawn Kneeland
The Dallas Cowboys community is still in mourning following the tragic loss of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound early Thursday morning. In the wake of this heartbreaking event, former Cowboys assistant and NFL veteran Greg Ellis has opened up about his close relationship with Kneeland and the conversations they shared regarding mental health.
A Tragic Loss
Kneeland’s passing has left a profound impact on his teammates and coaches. In recognition of his life, the Cowboys paid tribute with a poignant display on the videoboard outside The Star and observed a moment of silence during Thursday Night Football. The Frisco Police Department confirmed the circumstances of Kneeland’s death, prompting an outpouring of grief and support from the NFL community.
A Mentor’s Regret
Greg Ellis was instrumental in persuading the Cowboys’ front office to select Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, coming out of Western Michigan. Their bond extended beyond mere coach and player; it was rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to mental health advocacy. Ellis, who has been vocal about mental health issues and even directed a film titled “My Dear” on the subject, expressed his remorse for not recognizing the signs of Kneeland’s struggles.
Reflecting on their final interactions, Ellis recounted, “For me, I should have known. In moments when he would withdraw and get quiet, I would ask him, ‘What’s going on?’ But his No. 1 answer was, ‘I’m straight coach, I’m good.’” This realization weighs heavily on Ellis, who feels he could have done more to maintain their connection. “I did feel compelled to stay in contact with him, and that’s the one thing that I didn’t do well enough in my opinion,” he added, highlighting the silent battles many face.
Support in Grief
The Cowboys are now tasked with navigating the aftermath of this tragedy as the season progresses. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has implemented a robust support system, making grief counselors available to the team. Players like Dak Prescott and Solomon Thomas, noted advocates for mental health awareness, are present to provide comfort and guidance during this challenging time.
The loss of Marshawn Kneeland is a stark reminder of the importance of mental health conversations within the sports community. As the Cowboys continue to honor his memory, our thoughts remain with Kneeland’s family and friends, who are grappling with this unimaginable loss.
