Marshawn Kneeland and the CTE Crisis | Dayton News

Dayton News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 7, 2026 · 1m

Marshawn Kneeland, the 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys defensive end who died by suicide in November 2025, was posthumously diagnosed with Stage One CTE — a devastating brain disease found in nearly half of young athletes studied. A second-round draft pick in 2024, Kneeland’s brief NFL career included 26 tackles, 1 sack, and his first touchdown just days before his death. His family donated his brain to Boston University’s CTE Center, pushing critical research into early-stage diagnosis and treatment. Remembered for his spirit, not his final moments, Kneeland’s story underscores the urgent need to…