Suicide Crisis Grips Gen Z Men, Experts Call for Action

The tragic deaths of NFL players Rondale Moore and Marshawn Kneeland shine a light on the troubling rise in suicide rates among young men, especially those from minority backgrounds.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The recent suicides of former NFL players Rondale Moore and Marshawn Kneeland have brought renewed attention to the troubling increase in suicide rates among Gen Z men, particularly those from Black and Hispanic backgrounds. Experts say many young men are struggling with deep depression, hopelessness, and a reluctance to seek help due to social stigmas and other cultural factors.

Why it matters

Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for young adults aged 15-34, with Black and Hispanic men accounting for 85% of the rising Gen Z suicide rates. Addressing this crisis requires a deeper understanding of the unique mental health challenges facing young men of color and implementing culturally-informed prevention and intervention strategies.

The details

Rondale Moore, a 25-year-old former NFL and Purdue University wide receiver, died by suicide last month after battling back-to-back season-ending injuries. Similarly, Marshawn Kneeland, a former Dallas Cowboys defensive end, took his own life in November 2025. Both high-profile cases highlight the mental health struggles that many young male athletes face, including feelings of hopelessness, anger, and an unwillingness to seek help due to social stigmas around toughness and masculinity.

  • Rondale Moore died by suicide in February 2026.
  • Marshawn Kneeland died by suicide in November 2025.

The players

Rondale Moore

A 25-year-old former NFL and Purdue University wide receiver who died by suicide after battling back-to-back season-ending injuries.

Marshawn Kneeland

A former Dallas Cowboys defensive end who died by suicide in November 2025 and had a history of mental illness.

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What they’re saying

“Young white males battling suicidal ideation also wrestle with these issues, as suicide rates for those between 15 and 34 are extremely high, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”

— Jessica Johnson, Columnist (The Eastern New Mexico News)

“Both of these high-profile cases can place more attention on the need for 'culturally informed and systemic prevention and intervention strategies' that the UGA researchers are calling for.”

— Jessica Johnson, Columnist (The Eastern New Mexico News)

What’s next

Experts and advocates are calling for more research and implementation of culturally-tailored mental health programs to address the unique challenges facing young men, especially those from minority backgrounds, in order to prevent further tragedies.

The takeaway

The tragic suicides of Rondale Moore and Marshawn Kneeland have shone a spotlight on the alarming rise in suicide rates among Gen Z men, particularly young Black and Hispanic males. Addressing this crisis will require a comprehensive, community-based approach that tackles the complex social, cultural, and systemic factors driving this disturbing trend.