NFL fans across the United Kingdom and beyond have expressed outrage after veteran broadcaster Cris Collinsworth made what many have deemed insensitive and tactless remarks about the death of Dallas Cowboys star Marshawn Kneeland during a live Sunday Night Football broadcast.
Broadcast Comments Spark Immediate Backlash
The controversy erupted during NBC's coverage of the Dallas Cowboys' game against the Minnesota Vikings. While discussing the challenges the Cowboys have faced this season, Collinsworth reportedly stated, 'You know the Cowboys have struggled a lot this year, Micah [Parsons] leaving, suicide on the team.'
Social media users watching the broadcast were quick to criticise the commentator for his flippant tone and for equating the tragic loss of a player with a star's trade to the Green Bay Packers. Collinsworth did not mention the comment just once; he referenced Kneeland's death multiple times throughout the evening, further fuelling the anger of viewers.
A Wave of Fan Criticism on Social Media
The reaction on platform X, formerly Twitter, was swift and severe. One user wrote, 'Collinsworth casually rattling off "suicide on the team" like a sprained ankle.' Another demanded, 'Can Chris collinsworth stop mentioning suicide????'
Other comments highlighted the perceived lack of empathy. 'Cris Collinsworth is honestly such a garbage human. Why even bring up Kneeland like that? So casually…gross,' read one post. A further critic noted, 'Not gonna lie the way Chris Collinsworth brought up the passing of the Kneeland was gross. Just straight up compared trading Micah parsons to his unfortunate passing.'
Remembering Marshawn Kneeland
The Dallas Cowboys organisation and its fans have been in mourning since the death of Marshawn Kneeland in November. The second-year player from Western Michigan died by suicide after being pursued by police following a traffic violation. After officers lost sight of his vehicle, Kneeland fled on foot before taking his own life.
His girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, informed police that Kneeland had a history of mental illness. The Cowboys have paid tribute to him as a 'beloved teammate', with his image displayed on the jumbotron at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
A Long-Standing Broadcaster Under Fire
Cris Collinsworth is no newcomer to the commentary box. He has been a fixture in sports broadcasting since the late 1980s and has served as a voice on Sunday Night Football since its 2006 inception. He took over the lead colour commentator role from the legendary John Madden in 2009.
Despite his decades of experience, this incident has prompted serious questions about his sensitivity and judgement when discussing deeply personal tragedies on a national broadcast. Daily Mail Sport has contacted NBC Sports for comment regarding the widespread criticism.
If you or someone you know is struggling, confidential support is available 24/7. In the US, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on 988, or visit 988lifeline.org.
