Dallas Cowboys Player Marshawn Kneeland Diagnosed With CTE

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after his death by suicide, according to a report from Boston University's CTE Center. The diagnosis, confirmed by researchers, indicates that Kneeland had Stage 1 CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head impacts. This finding was shared by his family and the CTE Center.

Kneeland, who played for the Cowboys for two seasons after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, passed away on June 20, 2024, at the age of 28. His family stated that he had been struggling with mental health issues, and they hope his diagnosis will encourage others to seek help.

CTE has been a growing concern in professional football, with hundreds of former NFL players diagnosed with the condition posthumously. The disease is believed to be caused by the cumulative effect of concussions and subconcussive blows to the head sustained during athletic careers. The diagnosis in Kneeland's case adds to the ongoing discussion about player safety and the long-term neurological consequences of playing American football at a high level.