The Dallas Cowboys family continues to rally around Catalina Mancera, the girlfriend of late defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who passed away at just 24 years old last November. Now expecting their child in June, Mancera is opening up about the outpouring of support that has helped her through an unimaginable time.
Kneeland, a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was tragically killed during a police pursuit, as confirmed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The young defensive end had played 18 games for the Cowboys, recording 26 tackles, four quarterback hits, one sack, and a fumble recovery. His sudden death sent shockwaves through the league and left a void in the Dallas locker room.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team said in a statement on Nov. 6. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
This week, Mancera celebrated the upcoming arrival of her and Kneeland’s baby with a shower in Michigan. She took to social media to express her gratitude, writing: “Words can’t explain how thankful I am for the people God has placed in my life. In such a hard season, the love and support surrounding me has made everything feel a little brighter.”
She continued: “I’m so grateful for everyone who came out to celebrate me and baby, and even those who couldn’t make it but still showed love from afar. I also want to thank my family for throwing me such a beautiful shower in Michigan. I want to thank both of our families for all the love they’ve poured into me during this time. I’ll never forget the kindness, prayers, and support that have carried me through all of this.”
The Cowboys organization has been a pillar of support for Mancera. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer revealed that the team established the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund, which includes a scholarship for Kneeland’s unborn child. “We want to make sure she is taken care of and the baby is taken care of for the rest of their lives—it’s very important to our guys and to us,” Schottenheimer said. “The organization has been amazing.”
This tragedy echoes other recent losses in the sports world, including the sudden death of Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, which also left a team and community in mourning. The Cowboys' commitment to supporting Mancera and her child reflects a broader effort across professional sports to care for families affected by such devastating events.
As Mancera prepares to welcome her baby in June, the football world continues to keep her and Kneeland’s memory close. The young defensive end’s legacy, both on and off the field, remains a source of inspiration for teammates and fans alike.
