List Of NFL Players Who Died By Suicide
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The NFL has witnessed countless moments of triumph, grit, and glory, but behind the helmets and headlines, many players have silently battled emotional and psychological struggles.
Over the years, several former and active NFL stars have tragically taken their own lives, shocking fans and raising urgent questions about mental health awareness within professional sports. From Jeff Alm and Jovan Belcher to Marshawn Kneeland’s heartbreaking death in 2025, these incidents highlight the unseen pressures athletes endure both on and off the field.
This article takes a closer look at NFL players who died by suicide, their stories, and the broader message their tragedies leave behind.
List of NFL Players who died by Suicide
1. Jeff Alm
Date of death: December 14, 1993
Jeff Alm was a defensive tackle for the Houston Oilers. After a car crash that killed his friend Sean Lynch, Alm reportedly discharged shots into the air and then died by self-inflicted gunshot wound.
2. Jim Duncan
Date of death: October 21, 1972
Jim “Butch” Duncan played cornerback with the Baltimore Colts and briefly the New Orleans Saints. He died by suicide after reportedly entering a police station and taking his own life with an officer’s weapon.
3. Jovan Belcher
Date of death: December 1, 2012 Jovan Belcher, a linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, killed his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins, and then drove to the team’s facility and died by suicide.
4. Kenny McKinley
Date of death: September 20, 2010
Kenny McKinley was a wide receiver with the Denver Broncos. He died by shooting himself at his home amidst mounting debt, injury issues, and mental-health struggles.
5. O.J. Murdock
Date of death: July 30, 2012
O.J. Murdock, wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans, was found in his car with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His death occurred while he was recovering from an injury and struggling with personal issues.
6. Marshawn Kneeland
Date of death: November 6, 2025
Marshawn Kneeland, a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a vehicle pursuit in Texas.
