local
Dallas Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland diagnosed with CTE after death by suicide, researchers say
By Steven Rosenbaum at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW
· July 7, 2026
· 3 min read
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was suffering from stage 1 chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, when he died by suicide last year. Scientists at the Boston University CTE Center made the diagnosis following post-mortem brain tissue analysis, according to a statement Tuesday fr...
Key takeaway Kneeland, because we have found this progressive brain disease in nearly half of the athletes we've studied who have died before the age of 30," Dr.
Why this matters in Southlake News
The diagnosis of CTE in Marshawn Kneeland's brain tissue raises concerns about the long-term health effects of playing football in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. As a community that strongly supports its local football teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, Southlake residents should be aware of the potential risks associated with repeated head trauma in contact sports. The fact that Kneeland started playing tackle football at the age of 7 and went on to play in college and the NFL highlights the need for parents, coaches, and athletes to be informed about the risks of CTE and take steps to prevent it. The city's youth football programs and schools should consider implementing stricter concussion protocols and safety measures to protect young athletes from the potential devastating effects of CTE. By promoting awareness and taking proactive steps, Southlake can help ensure that its young athletes are protected and supported throughout their sports careers.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Southlake 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 CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was suffering from stage 1 chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, when he died by suicide last year. Scientists at the Boston University CTE Center made the diagnosis following post-mortem brain tissue analysis, according to a statement Tuesday fr...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW and curated for Southlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Steven Rosenbaum at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW. To learn more about how Southlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Southlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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