safety
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Kneeland had early stage CTE at time of death
By Josh Skluzacek at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 7, 2026
· 3 min read
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died by suicide in November 2025 after a high-speed chase with police, had early stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain abnormality linked to repeated concussions, his family announced Tuesday.
The Boston Uni...
Key takeaway Researchers determined Kneeland, who was 24, was in stage one of four of CTE.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
In Minneapolis , where high school and youth sports are a staple of community life, the diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in former NFL player Marshawn Kneeland serves as a stark reminder of the potential long-term risks associated with contact sports. As local families and coaches consider the benefits and drawbacks of participating in sports like football and hockey, they must also be aware of the potential consequences of repeated head trauma. The fact that CTE can only be diagnosed after death underscores the need for proactive measures to prevent and detect brain injuries in young athletes. Minneapolis schools and sports leagues should take note of Kneeland's case and consider implementing additional safety protocols and concussion screening procedures to protect their players. By prioritizing athlete safety and well-being, the community can help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis 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 KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died by suicide in November 2025 after a high-speed chase with police, had early stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain abnormality linked to repeated concussions, his family announced Tuesday.
The Boston Uni...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Josh Skluzacek at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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