Marshawn Kneeland Diagnosed with Stage 1 CTE

Kneeland’s Short NFL Career

Marshawn Kneeland was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft from Western Michigan and spent his rookie season with the Dallas Cowboys. He appeared in 18 games, compiling 26 tackles and five tackles for loss. Kneeland earned his first NFL touchdown shortly before his death, recovering a blocked punt in the end zone against the Arizona Cardinals. The 24‑year‑old died by suicide last November in Frisco, Texas.

Stage 1 CTE Explained

Stage 1 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative condition caused by repeated head trauma, affecting thinking, feeling, and movement. Early signs include short‑term memory loss, mild aggression, depression, and headaches. Currently, CTE can only be confirmed through an autopsy, making the Boston University diagnosis especially significant.

Family Response and Legacy

Kneeland’s family said the diagnosis adds context to the struggles he may have faced, noting it “does not change the tragedy of his passing.” They asked that Marshawn be remembered with compassion for the person he was, not for the final moments of his life. The findings were released by the Concussion & CTE Foundation on Tuesday, eight months after his death.

What This Means for Player Health

The case highlights the hidden toll of repeated head impacts even at early career stages. While Stage 1 CTE is the mildest form, it signals the need for better monitoring and mental‑health support in the NFL. Ongoing research will help teams and medical staff develop protocols to protect future players from long‑term damage.