James Donaldson on Mental Health - Prayers pour in for Super Bowl champion following heartbreaking news: ‘Mental health is real’

Carolina Panthers defensive end Tershawn Wharton announced on social media last week that his brother died by suicide.

Wharton is entering his second season in Carolina after winning a pair of Super Bowls during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs.

On behalf of my family and my brother, I want to take a moment to give everybody some closure.

My brother passed away by suicide,” the post from Tershawn Wharton said.

“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.” Wharton went on to encourage everyone to check in with their relatives and friends to make sure that they are doing OK.

“I also want to say this — check on your people,” he said.

“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.

Please understand it’s OK to talk to someone.” Tershawn Wharton is entering his sixth season in the NFL .