Boston University confirms brain disease in 24-year-old ex-NFL Star
Researchers at the Boston University CTE Center have confirmed that former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland was living with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head impacts, at the time of his death last year.
The diagnosis was made after scientists examined brain tissue following his death, making Kneeland one of the youngest former NFL players known to have been identified with the condition.
According to the researchers, the 24-year-old had Stage 1 CTE, the earliest of the disease’s four stages. Symptoms commonly associated with this stage include headaches, difficulties with attention and concentration, and, in some cases, memory and mood-related challenges.
Dr Ann McKee, director of Boston University’s CTE Center, said the finding was consistent with a growing body of research showing that the disease can affect athletes at relatively young ages.
“Unfortunately, I was not surprised to find CTE in the brain of Mr Kneeland, because we have found this progressive brain disease in nearly half of the athletes we’ve studied who have died before the age of 30,” she said.
Kneeland’s family said the diagnosis helped provide a better understanding of some of the difficulties he may have experienced.
“We share this information to help people understand what NFL and other high-contact sport athletes might be struggling with,” the family said in a statement.
The former player was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft after playing college football at Western Michigan University. He appeared in 18 games for the franchise during his professional career.
The case has renewed discussion about the long-term effects of repeated head trauma in contact sports. CTE has been identified in hundreds of former American football players and can only be confirmed after death.
Research conducted by Boston University previously found evidence of the disease in 345 of 376 former NFL players whose brains were examined.
Experts say the condition remains a major concern despite advances in concussion protocols and player safety measures. Dr Chris Nowinski of the Concussion & CTE Foundation said Kneeland’s diagnosis underscores the need for continued efforts to reduce the risk of head injuries in sport.
“Mr Kneeland played in the modern era of concussion protocols and better helmets, and yet he still developed CTE,” he said.
Researchers stress that CTE is a complex disease and that individual outcomes vary, but they hope continued study of cases such as Kneeland’s will improve understanding of its causes, prevention and long-term effects.
Source: BBC
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