Late Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland diagnosed with CTE

Former Dallas Cowboys defensive finish Marshawn Kneeland has been posthumously identified with Stage 1 power traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Kneeland died by suicide in November 2025. He was 24.

Boston College’s CTE Heart introduced the prognosis following Kneeland’s household donating his mind for analysis. In line with the middle, there are 4 phases of CTE, and Stage 4 has essentially the most injury.

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 Heart) researchers after his loss of life in the course of the 2025 NFL season at age 24,” the publish 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 prognosis doesn’t change the tragedy of his passing, it offers necessary context about among the struggles he could have been going through,” the assertion from his household and girlfriend reads. “We share this info to assist individuals perceive what NFL and different excessive contact sport athletes is likely to be battling.”

“Elevating consciousness is necessary to us. We proceed to recollect Marshawn with compassion for the particular person he was, reasonably 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 prognosis shouldn’t be thought-about the reason for a suicide.”

The Concussion & CTE Basis adds that “in case you or a cherished one are frightened about suspected CTE signs, attain out to our HelpLine staff for physician suggestions, training, and assist” at their official website.