Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – November 8, 2025
Following the heartbreaking passing of Marshawn Kneeland, the NFL community has been forced to confront one of its most overlooked challenges — the mental health of players. While many teams are still searching for ways to respond, the Philadelphia Eagles have chosen to take decisive action and lead by example.
Team CEO Jeffrey Lurie has officially announced that the organization will launch a comprehensive mental health and wellness initiative designed to help players manage emotional pressure, prevent psychological struggles, and maintain stability both on and off the field.
According to Lurie, the program will be fully integrated into the team’s operations, with the Eagles partnering with top sports psychologists and mental health professionals. The initiative will include private counseling, group workshops, and routine check-ins to ensure that every player feels supported — not only as an athlete, but as a human being.
During a press conference at the NovaCare Complex, Lurie delivered a heartfelt message that immediately resonated across the NFL:
“We can’t change the past, but we can learn from it. None of us ever want to see another son of the NFL suffer in silence. Football is a game of strength, but to truly fight, you need a healthy soul. I want every player of the Eagles to know they are not alone — they are heard, they are understood, and they are protected.”
The announcement was met with overwhelming praise from Eagles fans, players, and figures throughout the league. Many have called it a visionary step — one that could reshape how professional football organizations address mental and emotional health, especially in a sport that often celebrates toughness while neglecting the invisible battles players face.
The Eagles’ program is expected to begin next week at their training facility, featuring confidential counseling sessions, mindfulness and resilience workshops, and team-based peer support activities aimed at building trust and emotional strength within the locker room.
In a league where success is often defined by wins and statistics, Jeffrey Lurie and the Philadelphia Eagles are reminding everyone that true victory begins within — by ensuring that behind every helmet is a person who feels heard, understood, and protected.
