Content warning: This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton announced on October 6, 2024, that his brother had died by suicide.[1][2]

Wharton, 26, shared the news on his Instagram Stories, writing: "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. 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. I also want to say this — check on your people. Check on your 'strong' friends, the ones who always show up, the ones who give the most and ask for nothing. Everyone who knew DB knows he had a smile so big and an even bigger heart. My family and I truly appreciate everyone who has been reaching out. But I’m going to be honest, we’re not okay. And this journey is just beginning. Mental health is real. Please understand it’s okay to talk to someone."[1][2]

A defensive tackle for the Chiefs since signing as an undrafted free agent out of Missouri University of Science and Technology in April 2020, Wharton has appeared in 58 games with 11 starts through five NFL seasons.[3][4]

He contributed to the Chiefs' victories in Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023, and Super Bowl LVIII on February 11, 2024.[3][5]

Wharton re-signed with Kansas City on a two-year contract in March 2024.[3][4]

NFL players and teams expressed support for Wharton and his family following the announcement.[1][2]

Sources

1. Fox News. "Chiefs DT Tershawn Wharton reveals brother died by suicide: 'Mental health is real'". October 6, 2024. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/chiefs-dt-tershawn-wharton-reveals-brother-died-suicide-mental-health-real
2. ESPN. "Chiefs' Tershawn Wharton says brother died by suicide". October 6, 2024. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41712345/chiefs-tershawn-wharton-says-brother-died-suicide
3. Pro-Football-Reference.com. "Tershawn Wharton Jr.". Accessed October 7, 2024. https://www.profootballreference.com/players/W/WharTe00.htm
4. NFL.com. "Chiefs agree to terms with DT Tershawn Wharton on two-year deal". March 14, 2024. https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-agree-to-terms-with-dt-tersawn-wharton-on-two-year-deal
5. NFL.com. "Super Bowl LVIII: Kansas City Chiefs 25, San Francisco 49ers 22". February 11, 2024. https://www.nfl.com/games/2024/postseason/02/11/kc-sf-2024-supbowl-58-final-score