DALLAS (Gray News) – The girlfriend of the late Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland is pregnant with his child, according to head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
According to a report from PEOPLE, Schottenheimer made the announcement at a press conference on Wednesday.
This is the couple’s first child.
“We want to make sure she’s taken care of and the baby is taken care of for the rest of their lives,” Schottenheimer reportedly said during the press conference.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) looks on during an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C.(Jacob Kupferman | AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
It’s unclear how far along Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, is in the pregnancy.
After Kneeland’s death, Mancera posted a tribute to him on Facebook, writing:
“My sweet baby, words could never express how broken I feel, you’re my everything. I’ll love you forever my beautiful angel,” followed by a white heart emoji.
Kneeland died Nov. 6, the Dallas Cowboys confirmed in a statement. He was 24.
He scored his first touchdown as an NFL player just three days before his death.
According to the Frisco Police Department, Kneeland died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said troopers attempted to stop a vehicle Nov. 5 at around 10:30 p.m. for a traffic violation.
DPS said the driver refused to stop, resulting in a chase with law enforcement. However, troopers lost sight of the vehicle and ended the pursuit.
The vehicle was later found abandoned and had been involved in a crash.
According to the Frisco Police Department, the driver, identified as Kneeland, ran away from the crash.
Police said they received information that Kneeland had expressed suicidal thoughts.
Using K-9s and drones, Kneeland was later found dead in the area from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.
The Cowboys said Kneeland was in the middle of his second season with the team.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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