Former Dallas Cowboys defensive finish Marshawn Kneeland has been posthumously identified with Stage 1 persistent traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Kneeland died by suicide in November 2025. He was 24.
Boston College’s CTE Middle introduced the analysis following Kneeland’s household donating his mind for analysis. In keeping with the middle, there are 4 phases of CTE, and Stage 4 has probably the most harm.
The Concussion & CTE Basis shared the news on social media on Tuesday.
“Former Dallas Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland has been identified with stage 1 CTE by (Boston College CTE Middle) researchers after his loss of life throughout the 2025 NFL season at age 24,” the submit said.
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 essential context about a number of the struggles he might have been going through,” the assertion from his household and girlfriend reads. “We share this info to assist folks perceive what NFL and different excessive contact sport athletes could be fighting.”
“Elevating consciousness is essential to us. We proceed to recollect Marshawn with compassion for the individual he was, slightly than defining him by the ultimate moments of his life. One Love.”
The BU CTE Middle additionally launched a remark stating that suicide is “advanced and multifactorial” and {that a} “autopsy CTE analysis shouldn’t be thought-about the reason for a suicide.”
The Concussion & CTE Basis adds that “for those who or a beloved one are frightened about suspected CTE signs, attain out to our HelpLine crew for physician suggestions, schooling, and help” at their official website.
