Former Kansas City Chiefs player and two-time Super Bowl winner, Tershawn Wharton, is mourning the tragic loss of his brother, who died by suicide. The 27-year-old defensive tackle, who now plays for the Carolina Panthers, shared the devastating news on his social media on Sunday morning, expressing the deep pain his family is experiencing.
“Good morning. On behalf of my family and my brother, I want to take a moment to give everyone some closure. My brother passed away by suicide,” Wharton wrote on his Instagram story, revealing the heartbreaking details of the loss. “This is one of the toughest pills we’ve ever had to swallow. Right now, we are making arrangements, and I will share that information with those he loved.”
The NFL star, who was part of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victories in 2020 and 2023, used his platform to urge others to check in on their loved ones, especially those who may seem like they are always there for others but never ask for help. “Check on your people,” Wharton emphasized. “Check on your ‘strong’ friends, the ones who always show up, the ones who give the most and ask for nothing.”
Wharton fondly remembered his brother, whom he referred to as “DB,” describing him as a person with “a smile so big and an even bigger heart.” He said that despite the overwhelming grief, he felt immense gratitude for those who have reached out with support during this difficult time. However, he admitted that his family “is not okay” and that this journey of grief is just beginning.
“Mental health is real. Please understand it’s okay to talk to someone,” Wharton added, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and encouraging people to seek help when needed.
Tershawn Wharton’s announcement comes at a time when mental health is becoming an increasingly important topic in both sports and society. As Wharton shared his grief, he also brought attention to the need for greater conversations around mental health and the well-being of athletes, particularly those who, despite being in the public eye, may struggle privately with their emotions and mental health.
Wharton’s NFL Journey: A Quick Rise and Recovery
Wharton’s path to the NFL was not a conventional one. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2020 after playing college football at Missouri S&T. Despite being overlooked in the draft, Wharton quickly proved himself as a valuable asset on the Chiefs’ roster. Over the course of his first two seasons, he played in 33 games and became an integral part of the defensive line.
In 2022, Wharton faced a significant setback when he tore his ACL, which kept him out of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII win against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, he made a triumphant return to the field in 2023, playing in the Chiefs’ victorious Super Bowl LVIII match against the San Francisco 49ers, helping secure a second consecutive championship for the team.
After his tenure with the Chiefs, Wharton signed a one-year, $2.742 million extension with Kansas City in 2024. Following that, he joined the Carolina Panthers on a lucrative three-year contract worth $45 million. Last season, Wharton appeared in nine games for the Panthers, contributing to the team’s 8-9 record, though they were eliminated in the Wild Card round of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Rams.
A Heartfelt Tribute to a Lost Brother
While Wharton’s professional football journey has been marked by resilience and success, this personal tragedy serves as a reminder of the hidden struggles that even the strongest individuals can face. His emotional post not only shed light on his brother’s passing but also called for a broader understanding of mental health, particularly within the sports community.
As Wharton continues to grieve his brother’s death, his message to fans, friends, and fellow athletes is clear: we all need to look out for each other, especially those who may not ask for help but are silently struggling.
The NFL community, along with Wharton’s family and fans, is rallying around him during this difficult time, offering condolences and support as he copes with the loss of his brother.
