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Former Dallas Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland had stage 1 CTE when he died by suicide
By NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (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 Frisco 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 that proudly supports its sports teams, including the Cowboys, whose headquarters are located in Frisco , it is crucial to acknowledge the potential risks associated with these sports. The fact that Kneeland's family is using his diagnosis to raise awareness about the struggles that athletes in high-contact sports may face highlights the need for ongoing support and resources for these individuals. In Frisco, where youth sports are highly valued and widely participated in, it is especially important to consider the potential consequences of repeated head trauma and to prioritize the health and well-being of local athletes. By shedding more light on this issue, Kneeland's family hopes to encourage greater understanding and compassion for those who may be struggling with the aftermath of their athletic careers.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Local . Frisco 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 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Local . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (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 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Local and curated for Frisco News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Local. To learn more about how Frisco News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Frisco News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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