NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
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).
Catalina Mancera thanked supporters in an emotional message as she celebrated the unborn child she shares with late Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland.
In November, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Frisco Police Department confirmed that Kneeland died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase in Texas. The 24-year-old recorded his first NFL touchdown just days before his death.
Mancera recently held a baby shower attended by friends and family. She shared photos from the special event Monday on Instagram, writing, “Words can’t explain how thankful I am for the people God has placed in my life. In such a tough season, the love and support around me has made everything feel a little brighter.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland takes the field during the team’s training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California on July 25, 2024. (Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire)
She continued with a heartfelt thank you to friends and family, crediting their love and prayers for helping carry her through a difficult time.
“I am so thankful 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 have poured into me during this time. I will never forget the kindness and support this prayer has given me on Instagram,” I conclude.
COWBOYS DOMINATE RAIDERS AFTER HUNTING MARSHAWN KNEELAND IN FIRST GAME SINCE LINEBACKER’S TRAGIC DEATH
Mancera has previously said that her due date is in June.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland walks off the field after the game against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on September 15, 2024. (Tim Heitman/Imagn Images)
Kneeland was a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and appeared in 18 games for Dallas.
Police said officers responded to the scene on Nov. 6, 2025 and found a vehicle that had crashed near the southbound lanes of a local parkway. Kneeland fled on foot.
Authorities also said Kneeland contacted his family via text before his death to say goodbye to them, police dispatchers told him, according to audio obtained and reviewed by People.
Marshawn Kneeland #94 of the Dallas Cowboys rushes the passer during an NFL game against the New York Giants at AT&T Field in Arlington, Texas on September 14, 2025. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Shortly after the tragedy, the Cowboys released a statement saying, “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 for Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
Last year, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said a scholarship fund had been set up for Kneeland’s daughter.
“We want to make sure that she’s taken care of and the baby is taken care of for the rest of their lives — that’s very important to our guys and to us,” Schottenheimer said. “The organization has been great, we have started the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund where we can all give and support Catalina.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
Schottenheimer also revealed that the team launched a memorial fund honoring Kneeland and supporting Catalina. Schottenheimer also recalled some of the memories he shared with the late pass rusher.
“Marshawn loved the words ‘one love,'” Schottenheimer explained. “So we talked a lot about love while we’re grieving.”
