Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland was diagnosed with stage 1 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after his death by suicide at age 24, according to Boston University’s CTE Center. CTE, a brain disease caused by repeated head impacts, is common among athletes in high-contact sports like football. Symptoms of stage 1 CTE include headaches and concentration issues. Kneeland’s family shared the diagnosis to highlight the struggles faced by athletes. Kneeland, who began playing football at age 7, was drafted by the Cowboys in 2024 and played 18 games. He died in November 2025 following a car chase with police. CTE can only be diagnosed posthumously, and while it is not a direct risk factor for suicide, researchers stress the need for better prevention measures. Despite modern safety protocols, Kneeland still developed CTE, underscoring ongoing concerns about athlete safety.
QUESTION: How might increased awareness of CTE impact the future of contact sports like football?
Dallas Cowboys player who died by suicide diagnosed with brain disease
