Former Dallas Cowboys defensive finish Marshawn Kneeland has been posthumously recognized with Stage 1 persistent traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Kneeland died by suicide in November 2025. He was 24.
Boston College’s CTE Heart introduced the analysis following Kneeland’s household donating his mind for analysis. Based on the middle, there are 4 phases of CTE, and Stage 4 has essentially the most harm.
The Concussion & CTE Basis shared the news on social media on Tuesday.
“Former Dallas Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland has been recognized with stage 1 CTE by (Boston College CTE Heart) researchers after his dying through the 2025 NFL season at age 24,” the put up acknowledged.
Kneeland’s household, together with his girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, additionally launched an announcement, per ESPN.
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive finish Marshawn Kneeland’s household releases assertion
“Whereas this analysis doesn’t change the tragedy of his passing, it offers necessary context about a few of the struggles he might have been dealing with,” the assertion from his household and girlfriend reads. “We share this data to assist folks perceive what NFL and different excessive contact sport athletes is perhaps fighting.”
“Elevating consciousness is necessary to us. We proceed to recollect Marshawn with compassion for the individual he was, somewhat than defining him by the ultimate moments of his life. One Love.”
The BU CTE Heart additionally launched a remark stating that suicide is “complicated and multifactorial” and {that a} “autopsy CTE analysis shouldn’t be thought of the reason for a suicide.”
The Concussion & CTE Basis adds that “for those who or a beloved one are fearful about suspected CTE signs, attain out to our HelpLine crew for physician suggestions, schooling, and help” at their official website.
