Kneeland played college football at Western Michigan University and was drafted by the Cowboys in the 2024 NFL Draft in the second round.

The piece includes crisis resources and notes the availability of the 988 Lifeline for suicide prevention.

Experts and media emphasize ongoing mental health support for NFL players, including routine checkups and broader awareness in athletic communities.

Kneeland’s family issued a statement saying the diagnosis provides context for his struggles and aims to raise awareness of risks faced by high-contact sport athletes.

Experts note that CTE can develop from repeated head impacts over a career, not solely from concussions, even with modern safety protocols.

If anyone needs to talk, they can call 800-273-8255 anytime for support.

An editor’s note directs readers to the 988 suicide crisis lifeline and online chat for help.

Crisis resources are listed, including 988 and 800-273-8255, with text-based and online options.

Former Cowboys coach Mike Zimmer described Kneeland as a great person who loved the game, eager to learn, and willing to stand up for himself on the field.

In the weeks before his death, Kneeland had a standout moment on the field, including recovering a blocked punt and scoring a touchdown.

Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland was found to have early-stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at the time of his death by suicide in November, according to Boston University researchers.

The case renews discussions about mental health support for athletes, with calls for more comprehensive NFL and sports-organization programs.