New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins delivered a powerful message about suicide prevention ahead of Thursday night's game against the New York Jets, just one week after the tragic death of Dallas Cowboys star Marshawn Kneeland.
The 32-year-old athlete arrived at Gillette Stadium wearing a customised white T-shirt featuring the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number 988 prominently displayed on the front. Surrounding the number, Hollins had handwritten words including 'alone', 'tired', 'empty' and 'vulnerable' - emotions that might indicate someone should reach out for help.
A Moving Tribute on the Field
Hollins ensured photographers captured his entire message by turning to reveal the back of his shirt, which bore the emphatic statement 'YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!' encircled by more positive terms like 'healed', 'supported' and 'loved'.
This poignant gesture came exactly one week after Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died by suicide at just 24 years old. The tragedy occurred on November 6, 2025 when Kneeland fled a routine traffic stop in Frisco, Texas and ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Heartbreaking Aftermath and Community Response
Adding to the devastation, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer revealed that Kneeland's girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, 22, is pregnant with their first child. Mancera had been the one to alert police during the traffic stop that Kneeland was armed and she feared he might harm himself.
The Cowboys organisation has established the Marshawn Kneeland memorial fund to support Mancera and their unborn child. "We want to make sure she is taken care of and the baby is taken care of for the rest of their lives," Schottenheimer stated.
Team owner Jerry Jones confirmed the Cowboys will wear a helmet decal honouring Kneeland for the remainder of the season, describing how the tragedy has affected everyone connected to the team.
Wider Impact and Resources
The NFL community continues to grapple with the loss while emphasising the importance of mental health support. Kneeland's death came just over two days after he scored his first NFL touchdown for Dallas.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. The service provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day.
