Marshawn Kneeland, the former Dallas Cowboys defensive end who died by suicide last November, has been diagnosed with Stage 1 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) by Boston University researchers. The Concussion & CTE Foundation announced the findings Tuesday, eight months after the 24-year-old’s death in Frisco, Texas.
A second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan, Kneeland played 18 games for the Cowboys, tallying 26 tackles and five tackles for loss. He scored his first NFL touchdown days before his death, recovering a blocked punt in the end zone against the Arizona Cardinals.
“While this diagnosis does not change the tragedy of his passing, it provides important context about some of the struggles he may have been facing,” Kneeland’s family said in a statement. “We continue to remember Marshawn with compassion for the person he was, rather than defining him by the final moments of his life.”
Here’s what we know about Kneeland’s diagnosis.
What is Stage 1 CTE?
CTE is a neurodegenerative condition in which nerve cells assisting with thinking, feeling and moving begin to break down, resulting in symptoms such as personality changes and the loss of memory and muscle control, according to MedStar Health. It’s often a byproduct of repeated head trauma, specifically endangering athletes and veterans, and can be worsened by age and genetics. Stage 1 CTE is defined by short-term memory loss, mild aggression, depression and headaches. As of now, CTE can only be diagnosed through an autopsy.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: What is Stage 1 CTE? Explaining Marshawn Kneeland diagnosis
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