Green Bay, Wisconsin – November 9, 2025
Following the heartbreaking passing of Marshawn Kneeland, the NFL community has been urged to confront one of its most overlooked challenges — the mental health of players. While many organizations are still debating how to respond, the Green Bay Packers have chosen to take meaningful action and set an example for the entire league.

Ed Policy, the newly appointed President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, has officially announced the launch of a comprehensive mental health and wellness program designed to help players manage emotional stress, prevent psychological struggles, and maintain balance both on and off the field.
According to Policy, the initiative will be seamlessly integrated into the team’s weekly operations, with the Packers partnering with top sports psychologists and mental health professionals. The program will feature private counseling sessions, team workshops, and regular well-being check-ins to ensure every player feels supported — not only as an athlete, but as a person.
During a press conference at Lambeau Field, Policy delivered a heartfelt message that 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 Packers to know they are not alone — they are heard, they are understood, and they are protected.”

The announcement has drawn widespread praise from Packers fans, players, and figures throughout the league. Many have called it a bold, forward-thinking move that could redefine how professional football teams approach mental and emotional well-being — especially in a sport that often celebrates toughness while overlooking internal battles.
The first sessions of the program are expected to begin next week at the Packers’ training facility, featuring confidential therapy, mindfulness and resilience workshops, and peer support programs designed to strengthen trust and unity across the roster.
In a league where success is often measured by wins and statistics, Ed Policy and the Green Bay Packers are proving that true strength starts from within — by ensuring that behind every helmet is a person who feels heard, understood, and protected.