safety
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Kneeland had early stage CTE at time of death
By Jim Vertuno, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· 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 head trauma, 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 Tomball News
The diagnosis of early stage CTE in former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland raises concerns for athletes in contact sports in the Tomball area. As a community within the Houston metropolitan area, Tomball is home to numerous youth and high school sports programs, where athletes may be at risk for repetitive head trauma. The fact that CTE can only be diagnosed after death underscores the need for local sports organizations and schools to prioritize concussion protocols and athlete safety. Tomball residents should be aware of the resources available to support athletes who may be struggling with the effects of head trauma, such as the Concussion and CTE Foundation. By promoting awareness and education, the community can work together to prevent tragedies like Kneeland's and support the well-being of local athletes. The national suicide and crisis lifeline is also a vital resource for those in need, available by calling or texting 988.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
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 head trauma, his family announced Tuesday.The Boston University CTE Center, wh...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jim Vertuno, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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