Former Cowboys Defensive End Marshawn Kneeland Died with Early Stage CTE

Former Dallas Cowboys Defensive End Suffered from Early Stage CTE

Marshawn Kneeland, a 24-year-old former defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, tragically passed away in November 2025 after a high-speed police chase. His family has now revealed that the young athlete was suffering from early stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease linked to repeated concussions. The diagnosis was made by researchers at the Boston University CTE Center, who analyzed Kneeland's brain tissue after his death.

According to the researchers, Kneeland was in stage one of four of CTE, which is the earliest stage of the disease. CTE can only be diagnosed after death, making it a challenging condition to identify. The disease is a result of repeated blows to the head, such as those experienced by athletes in contact sports. The announcement serves as a reminder of the long-term consequences of repetitive brain trauma and the importance of addressing player safety in sports.

The family's announcement comes as a tragic reminder of the impact of CTE on young athletes. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, there are resources available. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, while in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. For international helplines, please visit befrienders.org.