Former Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland had early stage CTE when he died at 24

The tragic story of former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland highlights the devastating impact of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease often linked to repeated concussions. Kneeland died by suicide in 2025 following a police chase, and recent research confirmed he had early-stage CTE, detectable only posthumously. This revelation underscores the urgent need for better concussion prevention and management in sports to protect athletes' long-term health and well-being. Kneeland's case serves as a sobering reminder of the hidden consequences of head injuries in contact sports.