Former Kansas City Chiefs star Tershawn Wharton is mourning the loss of his brother after announcing that he died by suicide.
Wharton, who won two Super Bowls in his five-year spell with the Chiefs, took to social media Sunday morning to reveal the tragic news.
‘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,’ he wrote in a heartbreaking post on his Instagram story.
‘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 Carolina Panthers defensive tackle also urged others to check up on their loved ones after his brother, whom he referred to as ‘DB’, opted to take his own life.
‘I also want to say this — check on your people,’ he added. ‘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.
Former Kansas City Chiefs star Tershawn Wharton has announced his brother died by suicide
Wharton (No. 98) played in Kansas City’s win over the San Francisco 49ers at Super Bowl LVIII
‘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.’
Wharton began his NFL career in Kansas City after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020.
The Missouri S&T defender immediately became an important player for Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, featuring 33 times across his first two seasons at Arrowhead Stadium.
In 2022, he suffered a torn ACL before the team went on to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LVII, yet Wharton got his chance to play in football’s biggest game when they toppled the San Francisco 49ers at Super Bowl LVIII to win a second straight championship the following year.
After being re-signed to a one-year, $2.742million extension in 2024, he signed a three-year deal worth $45m with the Panthers when that contract came to an end.
Wharton made nine appearances for Carolina last season as the team went 8-9 before losing in the Wild Card round of the playoffs to the Los Angeles Rams.
