SouthernWorldwide.com – Catalina Mancera, girlfriend of the late Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, has shared a deeply emotional message as she anticipates the birth of their daughter.
Mancera expressed her profound gratitude for the support system surrounding her during this challenging period. She conveyed that the love and well wishes have significantly brightened her spirits.
She recently hosted a baby shower, an event attended by close friends and family. Photos from the celebration were posted on Instagram, where Mancera articulated her thankfulness for the individuals in her life.
Her message read, “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 have made everything feel a little brighter.”
Mancera extended her heartfelt appreciation to her loved ones, acknowledging that their prayers and affection have been instrumental in helping her navigate this difficult time.
“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,” she concluded in her Instagram caption.
Her due date is reportedly in June.
Kneeland, a promising defensive end, was a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He had appeared in 18 games for the Dallas Cowboys.
Tragically, Kneeland passed away in November. Authorities confirmed his death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase in Texas. He was 24 years old.
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The incident occurred on November 6, 2025, when officers responded to a vehicle crash. Kneeland reportedly fled the scene on foot.
According to reports, Kneeland had sent goodbye text messages to his family prior to his death, as relayed by police dispatchers.
The Dallas Cowboys organization expressed their deep sorrow over Kneeland’s passing. They released a statement acknowledging him as a beloved teammate and member of their organization.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family,” the statement read.
Following the tragedy, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer announced the establishment of a scholarship fund specifically for Kneeland’s daughter. This initiative aims to ensure the child’s future well-being.
“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 stated. “The organization has been amazing, we’ve started the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund where we can all give and support Catalina.”
Schottenheimer also highlighted the creation of a memorial fund dedicated to honoring Kneeland and supporting Catalina. He shared personal memories of the late pass rusher, emphasizing Kneeland’s affinity for the phrase “one love.”
“Marshawn loved the words ‘one love,’” Schottenheimer explained. “So, we talked a lot about love as we grieve.”
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
