western
Former Dallas Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland had stage 1 CTE when he died by suicide
By NBC DFW
· July 7, 2026
· 4 min read
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland had Stage 1 CTE when he died by suicide last fall, according to a post-mortem analysis released by the Concussion and CTE Foundation on Tuesday. The foundation said Kneeland's family released the results of a post-mortem brain tissue analysis don
Key takeaway The foundation said Kneeland's family released the results of a post-mortem brain tissue analysis done at the Boston University CTE Center that diagnosed Kneeland with Stage 1 (of 4) chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The diagnosis of Stage 1 CTE in former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland raises concerns about the long-term health effects of high-contact sports on local athletes. As a major sports hub, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is home to numerous professional and amateur teams, including the Cowboys, who are based in Frisco. The region's strong athletic culture and reputation for producing talented players also means that many young athletes are exposed to the risks of repetitive head trauma from an early age. With Texas Christian University, a major college football program, located in Fort Worth, the issue of CTE and its impact on local athletes is particularly relevant. As research into CTE continues, it is crucial for local sports organizations, schools, and health professionals to prioritize athlete safety and provide support for those who may be struggling with the aftermath of head injuries.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC DFW . The Fort Worth 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 NBC DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: western ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: NBC DFW ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland had Stage 1 CTE when he died by suicide last fall, according to a post-mortem analysis released by the Concussion and CTE Foundation on Tuesday. The foundation said Kneeland's family released the results of a post-mortem brain tissue analysis don
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by NBC DFW and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by NBC DFW. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more western coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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