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Catalina Mancera thanked her fans in an emotional message while celebrating the fetus 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 from 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 Monday’s special event on Instagram and wrote, “Words cannot explain how grateful I am for the people God has put in my life. In such a difficult season, the love and support around me has made everything feel a little brighter.”
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Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland walks on the field during the team’s training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California, on July 25, 2024. (Brandon Sloter/Sportswire Icon)
She continued with a heartfelt thank you to her friends and family, crediting their love and prayers for helping her get through a difficult time.
“I am so grateful for everyone who came out to celebrate me and my baby, and even those who couldn’t attend but still showed love from afar. I also want to thank my family for throwing me such a beautiful party in Michigan. I want to thank both of our families for all the love they have showered on me during this time. I will never forget the kindness, prayers, and support that has helped me get through all of this,” the Instagram caption concludes.
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Mancera previously said her due date is in June.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland leaves the field after the game against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on September 15, 2024. (Tim Heitman/Image 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 message before his death to say goodbye, police told dispatchers, 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 regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
Last year, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said a scholarship fund had been created for Kneeland’s daughter.
“We want to make sure she and the baby are taken care of for the rest of their lives; it’s very important for our boys and for us,” Schottenheimer said. “The organization has been incredible, we have started the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund, where we can all give and support Catalina.”
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Schottenheimer also revealed that the team launched a memorial fund in honor of 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 talk a lot about love while we cry.”
