Postmortem tests identify Stage 1 CTE in former Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland
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Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was found to have early-stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy at the time of his death in November 2025. The diagnosis, released by his family after postmortem testing, provides context regarding his health during a period of personal struggle.
Amalgamated from LA Times (opens in new tab), Fox News (opens in new tab), The Independent (opens in new tab)
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was diagnosed with Stage 1 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at the time of his death in November 2025, according to reports from the LA Times and Fox News. The diagnosis followed postmortem testing conducted after he died during a high-speed chase involving police.
The Independent reported that this brain abnormality is linked to repeated concussions sustained while Kneeland played professional football. His family released the results of the tests, stating that the information provides "important context about some of the struggles he may have been facing" prior to his death. This statement was noted by both Fox News and other outlets as a key element in understanding his medical history.
Medical definitions describe Stage 1 CTE as an early stage of a neurodegenerative disease associated with repeated head impacts, often seen in athletes who endure frequent concussions. The identification of this condition in Kneeland's postmortem results is being reported by multiple news sources as a significant finding regarding the physical conditions he faced during his tenure as a professional athlete.
Why this matters
The diagnosis highlights ongoing medical concerns regarding head trauma and neurodegenerative diseases in professional sports. It also contributes to the broader discussion regarding the long-term health impacts of repeated concussions on athletes in high-contact leagues.
What's confirmed / what isn't
All reporting outlets agree that Marshawn Kneeland was a former Dallas Cowboys defensive end and that he was diagnosed with Stage 1 CTE at the time of his death. The specific details regarding his involvement in a high-speed chase in November 2025 are also reported consistently across all primary news sources.
Background
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive brain disease found in people with a history of repetitive head impacts, often associated with contact sports such as American football.