safety
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Kneeland had early stage CTE at time of death
By Jim Vertuno, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 7, 2026
· 3 min read
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died by suicide in November 2025 after a high-speed chase with police, had early stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain abnormality linked to repeated concussions, his family announced Tuesday.The Boston University CTE Center, wh...
Key takeaway The Boston University CTE Center, which investigates the long-term consequences of repetitive brain trauma in athletes and others, analyzed Kneeland's brain tissue after his death.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
The diagnosis of early stage CTE in former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland raises concerns about the long-term health effects of contact sports on athletes in the Magnolia community. As a community within the Houston area, Magnolia is home to numerous young athletes participating in contact sports, and Kneeland's story serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks involved. The fact that CTE can only be diagnosed after death underscores the need for increased awareness and support for athletes who may be struggling with the consequences of repetitive head trauma. Local schools and sports organizations should take note of Kneeland's story and consider implementing additional safety protocols and resources to support athletes' mental and physical health. Furthermore, the national suicide and crisis lifeline's availability is a crucial resource for the community, and its promotion can help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died by suicide in November 2025 after a high-speed chase with police, had early stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain abnormality linked to repeated concussions, his family announced Tuesday.The Boston University CTE Center, wh...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jim Vertuno, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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