NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please contact Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
NFL broadcaster Cris Collinsworth faced scrutiny for his comments about the Dallas Cowboys’ season as they fell to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night.
Collinsworth repeatedly mentioned defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland’s suicide during the game. He touched on it when talking about the team’s overall struggles and the Micah Parsons trade to the Green Bay Packers.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Cris Collinsworth attends 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 show.
NFL fans who tuned in to the game were quick to turn to Collinsworth for endorsements.
Kneeland killed himself Nov. 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 driving the vehicle, thinking it was a stolen car chase. After Kneeland crashed the vehicle and abandoned it, officers learned the suspect was Kneeland. The NFL player’s family and friends feared he might get hurt while texting them goodbye.
PACKERS STAR MICAH PARSONS SUSTAINS NON-CONTACT KNEE INJURY AGAINST BRONCOS
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) leaves 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 Marshawn Kneeland of the Cowboys,” the league said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, his family, his friends and his teammates. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and offered them support and advice.”
The day before his death, Kneeland scored his first career touchdown on a blocked punt against the Arizona Cardinals.
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/Sportswire Icon via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
He was drafted 56th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan. He has 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.
