Concussion & CTE Foundation

The family of former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland announced his stage 1 CTE diagnosis by researchers at Boston University CTE Center today.

Kneeland played football at Western Michigan University before being selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He died during his second NFL season. He started playing tackle football when he was 7 years old.

Kneeland’s family, including his girlfriend Catalina Mancera, said in part: "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. We share this information to help people understand what NFL and other high contact sport athletes might be struggling with."

We encourage anyone worried about suspected CTE symptoms to reach out to the Concussion & CTE Foundation HelpLine team for support at ConcussionAndCTE.org/Helpline.

If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.

https://concussionandcte.org/news/press-release/former-dallas-cowboys-de-marshawn-kneeland-diagnosed-with-stage-1-cte/

We are deeply saddened by the loss of former NFL All-Pro Aldon Smith, who died Saturday at age 36, and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.

His legal team announced today that Aldon’s family decided to donate his brain to the Boston University CTE Center, noting he suffered multiple concussions during his career. Their decision during such a difficult time is an extraordinary act of generosity that may help protect future generations. We join Aldon’s legal team in asking that his family be kept in your thoughts as they navigate this tremendous loss.