Marshawn Kneeland, Cowboys DE Died by Suicide, Diagnosed With CTE

Marshawn Kneelandthe last Cowboys passer who committed suicide in November, was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), according to doctors.

The 24-year-old smuggler’s brain was sent to the center for posthumous examination after his tragic death of a self-inflicted gunshot wound…and on Tuesday, doctors at Boston University’s CTE Center released their findings, saying Kneeland suffered from stage 1 CTE.

The first stage is the first stage of the disease, characterized by short-term memory loss, mild aggression and depression as well as headaches, according to experts.

“Unfortunately, I was not surprised to find CTE in Mr. Kneeland’s brain, because we found this progressive brain disease in almost half of the athletes we studied who died before the age of 30,” said the director of the BU CTE center. Dr Ann McKee said.

Kneeland only saw the field in 18 NFL games over two seasons, but had been playing football since he was a seven-year-old.

“While this diagnosis does not change the tragedy of his death, it provides important context on some of the struggles he may have faced. » Catalina ManceraMarshawn’s girlfriend, said.

The results also show that despite increased efforts towards player safety, football remains a violent sport.

“Mr. Kneeland played in the modern era of concussion protocols and better helmets, and yet he still developed CTE,” CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation. Chris Nowinski said.

He added… “We have no reason to believe that the current generation is at lower risk of CTE than previous generations. Concussion protocols do not prevent CTE, because CTE is caused by repeated impacts to the head, not just concussions.”

After his death in November 2025, Kneeland was cried by family, friends, fans, teammates and coaches around the league, featuring the Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer fighting against tears, describing Marshawn as “Beloved Teammate”.

Kneeland’s CTE diagnosis once again leaves the football world asking tough questions.

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