safety
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Kneeland had early stage CTE at time of death
By Jim Vertuno, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· July 7, 2026
· 3 min read
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 University CTE Center, wh...
Key takeaway The Boston University CTE Center, which investigates the long-term consequences of repetitive brain trauma in athletes and others, analyzed Kneeland's brain tissue after his death.
Why this matters in Terrell Hills News
The revelation that former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland had early stage CTE at the time of his death raises concerns about the long-term health consequences for athletes in contact sports in the Terrell Hills community. As a community within the San Antonio area, Terrell Hills is home to numerous youth and adult sports leagues, where repetitive head trauma can be a risk. The diagnosis of CTE in Kneeland, a young athlete who died by suicide, highlights the need for local sports organizations and schools to prioritize concussion protocols and athlete safety. It also underscores the importance of mental health support for athletes who may be struggling with the aftermath of head injuries. As the community mourns Kneeland's tragic death, it must also consider the potential risks faced by local athletes and take steps to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? 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 University CTE Center, wh...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jim Vertuno, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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