local
Former Dallas Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland had stage 1 CTE when he died by suicide
By NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local
· 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 analys...
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 Southlake News
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 community in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Southlake is home to many young athletes who participate in contact sports, and Kneeland's story may resonate with families and coaches in the area. The fact that CTE can only be diagnosed post-mortem highlights the need for ongoing research and awareness about the risks associated with repetitive head trauma. Local schools and sports organizations may need to re-examine their protocols for handling head injuries and supporting athletes' mental health. Furthermore, the tragedy of Kneeland's death may prompt local mental health resources to reach out to athletes and their families, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and support when struggling with the emotional and psychological toll of high-contact sports.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local . 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 NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local ·
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 analys...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local and curated for Southlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local. 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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