Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland’s girlfriend pregnant after his tragic death at 24
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has confirmed that late defensive end Marshawn Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, is pregnant with the couple’s first child, just a week after the 24-year-old athlete’s tragic death.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Schottenheimer shared that the Cowboys have established the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund, which will provide financial support to Mancera and the unborn baby. “We want to make sure she’s taken care of and the baby is taken care of for the rest of their lives,” Schottenheimer said.
Heartbreaking: Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer revealed today that Marshawn Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina, is pregnant and the team has started a Fund to ensure that both she and the baby are taken care of.
Praying for her and their family 💔🙏 pic.twitter.com/morzYpXdW8— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 12, 2025
Kneeland died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on November 5, following a police chase north of Dallas. Authorities reported that troopers found him near his crashed vehicle in Frisco, Texas. The news came just two days after his standout performance during Monday Night Football, where he scored a touchdown off a blocked punt.
Following his passing, Mancera broke her silence, writing on Facebook: “My sweet baby, words could never express how broken I feel. You’re my everything. I’ll love you forever, my beautiful angel.”
Reports revealed that hours before Kneeland’s death, Mancera called police, fearing he was armed and suicidal. Dispatch audio obtained by PEOPLE confirmed her desperate attempts to save him.
The Cowboys organization and Kneeland’s agent expressed heartbreak over his loss, describing him as a beloved teammate and friend.