Researchers at the Boston University CTE Center confirm that Marshawn Kneeland had stage 1 chronic traumatic encephalopathy when he died by suicide at 24.Kneeland died last November after a police pursuit and a car crash, and the Collin County Medical Examiner ruled the death a suicide; his family obtained a postmortem brain analysis that disclosed the diagnosis.Kneeland began tackle football at age seven, played four seasons at Western Michigan University and appeared in 18 games over two National Football League seasons with 26 tackles, a fumble recovery and a pass deflection.Dr.
Ann McKee and Dr.
Chris Nowinski say the diagnosis reinforces scientific concerns that existing safety protocols and concussion rules do not eliminate the risk from repeated head impacts, and Kneeland's family is calling for greater awareness and support.