Marshawn Kneeland Death: What His Pregnant Girlfriend Said After the Cowboys Star’s Final Hours

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died at age 24 after an apparent suicide in Frisco, Texas, on November 6, 2025. His sudden death came only days after he scored his first NFL touchdown, leaving the league stunned and his pregnant girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, heartbroken.

Police said Kneeland fled a traffic stop late at night, crashed his vehicle and was later found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His death is being treated as an apparent suicide by Texas authorities. National and local outlets confirmed the sequence of events through police statements and medical examiner updates.

Kneeland’s Final Hours and Catalina Mancera’s Emotional Message

Catalina Mancera shared her grief publicly six days after Kneeland’s death. In a brief but powerful message, she wrote, “My sweet baby, words could never express how broken I feel. You’re my everything. I’ll love you forever, my beautiful angel.” Her post captured the depth of her loss and instantly drew thousands of messages of support.

Catalina is now expecting the couple’s first child. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed her pregnancy and announced the creation of the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund, which he said would ensure Catalina and the baby “are taken care of for the rest of their lives.” The news brought an emotional wave of support from teammates and fans across the NFL.

Reports also show Catalina tried to save Kneeland in the hours before his death. According to police dispatch summaries described in media coverage, she told authorities he was in a mental health crisis, had access to a firearm and had sent disturbing messages. Officers also learned he had sent a group text saying goodbye to family members. Her warnings sparked an urgent search that ended with the tragic discovery.

In later comments, Catalina said the grief was “too much” and that she was “grieving hard.” She has also asked people to share their memories and photos of Kneeland so she can preserve his story for their child. Friends have described her as focused on healing while trying to keep his memory positive and personal.

How the Cowboys and NFL Are Responding to the Tragedy

The Cowboys reacted immediately with public statements, private support and team-wide tributes. Players wore “94” helmet decals, displayed his jersey and honored him with moments of silence before games. The organization has stayed in contact with Catalina as she prepares for motherhood.

Across the league, Kneeland’s death has renewed conversations about mental health support for athletes. Coaches and players have stressed that mental health struggles can affect anyone, even rising stars. The tragedy has pushed teams to highlight available support systems and encourage players to speak openly about emotional challenges.

Kneeland’s story resonates because he was a young player facing enormous expectations while still grieving his mother’s recent death. Friends said he often wore a necklace containing her ashes, and several teammates now believe the emotional burden he carried was heavier than many realized.

The Marshawn Kneeland death remains one of the most heartbreaking NFL stories of the year. Catalina Mancera’s words show a young woman navigating profound grief while preparing to raise their child. Her tribute ensures that his legacy, both on and off the field, will be carried forward with love.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What did Marshawn Kneeland’s pregnant girlfriend say?

She wrote that “words could never express how broken” she felt and called him her “beautiful angel.” Her message reflected deep shock and love.

Q2: How did Marshawn Kneeland die?

Police said he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after fleeing a traffic stop and crashing his vehicle. Officials described it as an apparent suicide.

Q3: Is his girlfriend really pregnant?

Yes. The Cowboys confirmed Catalina Mancera is expecting the couple’s first baby and launched a memorial fund to support her.

Q4: What support is the Cowboys organization providing?

The team created the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund and pledged long-term support for Catalina and the baby, along with team tributes.

Q5: Why is his death being widely discussed?

His death highlights the importance of mental health support in the NFL and has sparked discussions about emotional pressures faced by athletes.

References

Associated Press – Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland found dead after apparent suicide (2025).

Reuters – Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland dead at 24 (2025).

CNN – Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland dies at age 24 (2025).

People – Marshawn Kneeland’s girlfriend is pregnant and shares emotional tribute after his death (2025).