safety
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Kneeland had early stage CTE at time of death
By Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· July 7, 2026
· 3 min read
By JIM VERTUNO
AP Sports Writer
AUSTIN, Texas 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 announc...
Key takeaway Researchers determined Kneeland, who was 24, was in stage one of four of CTE.
Why this matters in The Odessa
The diagnosis of early stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy in former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland raises concerns about the long-term health consequences for athletes in contact sports in the Permian Basin area. As a region with a strong presence of high school and college football, the risk of repetitive head trauma and its potential link to degenerative brain diseases like CTE is a pressing issue for local sports communities. The fact that CTE can only be diagnosed after death underscores the need for increased awareness and support for athletes who may be struggling with the effects of head trauma. Local schools and sports organizations should take note of Kneeland's case and consider implementing additional safety protocols and resources for athletes to address the potential risks associated with contact sports. By doing so, they can help prevent similar tragedies and promote a safer sporting environment for young athletes in Odessa and surrounding areas.
About this story
Original reporting by Odessa American (oaoa.com) . The Odessa 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 Odessa American (oaoa.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: Odessa American (oaoa.com) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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What is this story about? By JIM VERTUNO
AP Sports Writer
AUSTIN, Texas 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 announc...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by Odessa American (oaoa.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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