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Back in November of 2025, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Neyland died by suicide.
At the time, there was widespread speculation that Nyland was suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a condition tragically common among NFL players.
Now these fears have been confirmed.
Eight months after Niland’s death at age 24, researchers confirmed that Niland was suffering from the first stage of chronic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head trauma.
His family also confirmed that he died by suicide after his death was diagnosed.
The Concussion and Chronic Encephalopathy Foundation announced on July 7 that researchers at Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center examined Niland’s brain tissue after his death and identified an early stage of chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
“Unfortunately, I was not surprised to find CTE in Mr. Niland’s brain, because we found this progressive brain disease in nearly half of the athletes we studied who died before the age of 30,” Dr. Anne McKee said in a statement.
Mackey added that the findings underscore the need for continued research into the disease and its effects on young athletes.
Instead of allowing Niland’s story to end in tragedy, his loved ones hope his diagnosis will encourage more conversations about the long-term effects of repeated head trauma.
His friend, Catalina Mancera, said the family chose to share the diagnosis publicly in hopes they could help others.
“Marshawn was so much more than just the way he died,” she said. “If sharing his story helps even one family recognize the signs or pushes research one step further, his life will continue to make a difference.”
Catalina welcomed a son with Marshawn in June, several months after Niland’s death.
