Warning: This is one of the saddest NFL stories you’ll read all year. Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has been posthumously diagnosed with Stage 1 CTE after his family donated his brain for research. Kneeland was just 24 years old, and the diagnosis comes months after his tragic death. It’s a heartbreaking reminder that football’s toughest battles aren’t always played under the lights on Sunday. Kneeland had his entire future ahead of him. An NFL career, a family, a life that was only beginning. Now, his family’s decision to share his diagnosis could help researchers better understand the long term effects of repetitive head trauma and continue an important conversation about player safety and mental health across all of sports, especially NFL football. No rivalry or debate. Just a young man whose story ended far too soon. Rest in peace, Marshawn Kneeland. • #nflnews #dallascowboys #marshawnkneeland #cte #mentalhealthawareness