{"id":3036,"date":"2026-07-08T08:05:57","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T08:05:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hometransferguide.com\/?p=3036"},"modified":"2026-07-08T08:05:57","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T08:05:57","slug":"marshawn-kneeland-diagnosed-with-cte-months-after-he-died-by-suicide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hometransferguide.com\/?p=3036","title":{"rendered":"Marshawn Kneeland Diagnosed With CTE Months After He Died By Suicide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The family of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland revealed Tuesday that he was diagnosed with Stage 1 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).<\/p>\n

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Kneeland\u2019s family shared the heartbreaking news eight months after he died by suicide at the age of 24, according to a Concussion & CTE Foundation press release. Following his death, his brain tissue was donated for research through the foundation, according to ABC 8 News. An examination conducted by researchers at the Boston University CTE Center reached the diagnosis.<\/p>\n

CTE can only be confirmed after death because it necessitates signs of eroding brain tissue, according to the Mayo Clinic.<\/p>\n

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\n\"INDIANAPOLIS,\n<\/div>\n

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA \u2013 FEBRUARY 28: Marshawn Kneeland #DL41 of the Western Michigan Broncos speaks to the media during the 2024 NFL Draft Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Dr. Ann McKee, director of the Boston University CTE Center and chief of neuropathology for the VA Boston Healthcare System, said she was \u201cnot surprised to find CTE in the brain of Mr. Kneeland.\u201d<\/p>\n

She went on to say, \u201c[W]e have found this progressive brain disease in nearly half of the athletes we\u2019ve studied who have died before the age of 30.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Dr. Chris Nowinski, CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation, raised concern about CTE among athletes. \u201cMr. Kneeland played in the modern era of concussion protocols and better helmets, and yet he still developed CTE,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Nowinski asserted, \u201cConcussion protocols do not prevent CTE, because CTE is caused by repeated head impacts, not just concussions.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n\"ARLINGTON,\n<\/div>\n

ARLINGTON, TX \u2013 DECEMBER 22: Marshawn Kneeland #94 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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Kneeland discovered his passion for football at the tender age of 7, ABC 8 reported. He played at Western Michigan University before the Dallas Cowboys picked him in the 2024 NFL Draft\u2019s second round, and took his own life during his second NFL season.<\/p>\n

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On the day of his passing, the athlete\u2019s girlfriend told police he sent her a troubling message from him, according to 911 dispatch audio obtained by TMZ. Police said Kneeland was connected to a pursuit, and officers found him suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.<\/p>\n

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\n\"LAS\n<\/div>\n

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA \u2013 NOVEMBER 17: Osa Odighizuwa #97 of the Dallas Cowboys holds the jersey of Marshawn Kneeland after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Mancera welcomed their child after the athlete\u2019s tragic passing. She issued a statement to the press Tuesday alongside Kneeland\u2019s family, according to the foundation\u2019s press release.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile this diagnosis does not change the tragedy of his passing, it provides important context about some of the struggles he may have been facing,\u201d the statement said. (RELATED: Devastating 911 Audio Seems To Capture Tragic Moments Before Marshawn Kneeland\u2019s Death)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Watch full video on TMZ<\/div>\n