Nebraska HC Matt Rhule issues 5-word request after Marshawn Kneeland death

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule paused football talk to reflect on the importance of kindness and connection following the death of Marshawn Kneeland aged just 24. His five-word appeal – “Just check on your people” – quickly resonated across the sports world and beyond.

“Seeing the tragic news out of Dallas today, understand that none of us know what people are going through,” Rhule said. “That’s why I think we should be careful about what we say to people, and what we tweet about people.”

“You’d think he’s at the pinnacle”

Kneeland’s death came only days after scoring his first NFL touchdown on Monday Night Football. Rhule used that contrast to make a painful point.“ That young man scored a touchdown just a couple of days ago,” he said. “You’d think he’s at the pinnacle. But he was dealing with something – I don’t know what it was. I pray for him and his family.”

The coach encouraged his own players to be more present and intentional. “I told them to take their headphones off in the cafeteria, sit with someone, and just ask how they’re doing.”

“A time to be kind”

Rhule spoke from experience – recalling a former player, Adrian Robinson, who, like Kneeland died by suicide. “I wish I could go back and just stop and say, ‘Hey, how you doing?’” he said.

In an era where athletes and others often hide behind “I’m fine,” Rhule’s five-word request is a quiet reminder that no matter how someone appears on the outside and in public, they may still need to be seen and heard away from the noise.

Watch and listen to Rhule’s message for yourself...

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