The Dallas Cowboys have announced a generous move for Marshawn Kneeland’s girlfriend.
The Cowboys announced on Wednesday that Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, is pregnant, expecting the couple’s first baby after his death last week. The 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman died by suicide, according to Texas police. He was a second round pick out of Western Michigan and in his second year with the team.
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“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 Cowboys announced last week.
Marshawn Kneeland on the field.© Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
The Cowboys have announced that they are setting up a scholarship fund for Kneeland’s baby.
“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,” Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said. “The organization has been amazing, we’ve started the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund where we can all give and support Catalina.”
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Kneeland’s girlfriend speaks out on his death
“My sweet baby, words could never express how broken I feel, you’re my everything,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “I’ll love you forever my beautiful angel.”
She previously spoke out in a statement to The Daily Mail.
“I’m grieving hard right now,” she told The Daily Mail in an interview published Nov. 11. “It will be a long time before I’ll feel ready to talk at any length.”
His family released a joint statement.
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“As Marshawn was making his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field—as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend,” Kneeland’s family wrote in a joint Facebook statement. “He was kind, determined, humble, and full of love. His light shone brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired.”
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Nov 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.