Former Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland had early stage CTE when he died at 24
Summary
Marshawn Kneeland, a former Dallas Cowboys player who died by suicide at age 24, was found to have early stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease linked to repeated head injuries. His family shared this information to raise awareness about the struggles athletes in contact sports may face.Key Facts
- Marshawn Kneeland died by suicide in November 2025 after fleeing a police chase in Texas.
- Boston University’s CTE Center confirmed Kneeland had stage one CTE, the earliest of four stages of this brain disease.
- CTE is caused by repeated hits to the head and is common in contact sports like football, hockey, and soccer.
- Symptoms of CTE can include violent mood changes, impulsive behavior, and depression.
- Kneeland began playing tackle football at age 7 and played college football before joining the Cowboys in the 2024 NFL draft.
- Despite improved concussion rules and better helmets, experts say current safety measures do not prevent CTE because it results from repeated head impacts, not just concussions.
- NFL players are over four times more likely to develop ALS, another serious neurological disease, according to research.
- Resources for suicide prevention are available in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Australia, and internationally through various helplines and websites.
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