The Dallas Cowboys are rallying around the family of their late defensive end, Marshawn Kneeland, following his tragic death at the age of 24. His longtime girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, is pregnant with their first child, as confirmed by Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Kneeland died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a police chase in Frisco, Texas, last week, leaving behind a legacy that is now set to continue through their unborn child.
In a heartfelt statement, Schottenheimer expressed the team’s commitment to support Mancera and the baby. “We want to make sure she’s taken care of, and the baby’s taken care of, for the rest of their lives,” he said during a press conference. To facilitate this support, the Cowboys organization has established a memorial fund aimed at preserving Kneeland’s legacy. According to the donation page, the fund is “dedicated to preserving Marshawn’s legacy and extending his impact through direct support for his surviving partner and unborn heir.”
Mancera and Kneeland began their relationship during his sophomore year at Western Michigan University. While she has not publicly commented on her pregnancy, she has shared her grief over Kneeland’s passing. In a recent statement, she said, “I’m grieving hard right now. It will be a long time before I’ll feel ready to talk at any length. We’re still in the early stages of everything. We are working on the funeral arrangements.”
In a poignant message on social media, Mancera expressed her heartbreak, stating, “My sweet baby, words could never express how broken I feel. You’re my everything. I’ll love you forever my beautiful angel 🤍.” This expression of loss highlights the profound impact of Kneeland’s death on those closest to him.
The establishment of the memorial fund demonstrates the Cowboys’ commitment to supporting their players and their families in times of crisis. As the team navigates this difficult chapter, the focus remains on providing for Mancera and ensuring that Kneeland’s contributions to the game and his loved ones are not forgotten.
The situation serves as a reminder of the personal struggles athletes may face, even in the public eye. As the team prepares to honor Kneeland’s memory, they also look to provide a stable future for his surviving family.
