Marshawn Kneeland's Girlfriend Catalina Mancera Shares Message to Baby After NFL Star's Death
Marshawn Kneeland’s girlfriend is focusing on the happy moments during a difficult chapter.
Six months after the NFL star died in an apparent suicide, his girlfriend Catalina Mancera, who is pregnant with their baby, shared a glimpse into her shower.
“Words can’t explain how thankful I am for the people God has placed in my life,” Catalina wrote in a May 11 Instagram post, alongside a carousel of photos of her celebration. "In such a hard season, the love and support surrounding me has made everything feel a little brighter.”
As she put it, “I’m so grateful for everyone who came out to celebrate me and baby, and even those who couldn’t make it but still showed love from afar.”
Catalina went on to express gratitude for her and Marshawn’s families who put together the celebration.
“I’ll never forget the kindness, prayers, and support,” she added, “that have carried me through all of this.”
Alongside her message, Catalina included highlights from her shower, which included blue frosted cookies with the phrase, “Baby Kneeland” iced on them as well as lots of additional blue and pink decorations.
The Western Michigan University alum also shared photos of her and her loved ones posing at the venue—an open barn-styled event space complete with twinkling lights on the ceiling—as she put her baby bump on display.
Catalina’s sweet update is the first she’s shared on social media this year, following several emotional messages to the Dallas Cowboys defensive end following his November 2025 death.
“Not only am I mourning you, but I’m mourning our future and all the dreams we talked about building together,” Catalina wrote in a post less than a month after her boyfriend’s passing. “This upcoming year should’ve been the best year of our lives, and now it’s not. All our talks of marriage and raising a family will stay as talks and dreams.”
Catalina Mancera/Instagram
Nevertheless, Catalina assured she’d be keeping her husband’s spirit with her forever—especially as she prepares to raise their child.
“It was and always will be, you for me,” she added. “I know God put us in each other’s lives for a reason, and as much as I wish I had more time with you, I’m grateful for the years I did get and the memories we shared. Watch over me forever.”
For a look back on Marshawn’s life in photos, keep reading…
Marshawn Kneeland/Instagram
Promising Talent
Marshawn Kneeland's football career started long before his time at the NFL.
During his senior year of high school in Michigan, Marshawn achieved an impressive 110 tackles and eight sacks on defense as well as 20 receptions for 330 yards and five touchdowns on offense.
Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
A Rising Star
After graduating, Marshawn committed to Western Michigan University, where he achieved 149 tackles and 12.5 sacks across his four years.
Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
A Standout Player
During his time at the school, the athlete's work ethic helped him stand out, going to the team's facilities as often as he could to train and watch game footage.
As his coach David Denham put it, "That's when you started to see the gradual separation between him and some of the other guys."
Michael Hickey/Getty Images
Reaching New Heights
Marshawn was the Dallas Cowboys' second-round pick in 2024, the team owner Jerry Jones telling him at the time, "Marshawn, we're gonna put a star on that helmet."
For the young athlete, he tried to soak up every moment. "It's a once in a lifetime experience for me," he said of draft night, "so I'm just excited to be here."
Brooke Sutton/Getty Images
Preparing for the Big Leagues
Marshawn's work ethic stuck with him as he transitioned into the NFL, preparing for his first season with the team.
Ric Tapia/Getty Images
The Next Chapter
As for how he was approaching the NFL, Marshawn just wanted to stick to his game plan.
"I'm going to be the same type of player I've always been," he said after being drafted. "Physical, fast, high-fitness, high-effort, high-motor. It's basically going to come down to making plays."
Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Putting in the Work
Throughout his almost two seasons on the Texas team, the 24-year-old amassed 26 tackles and one sack across 18 games, including four starts.
Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Milestone Achievement
Just days before his death, Marshawn scored his first touchdown in the league.
As his agent Jonathan Perzley said of the player following his death, "Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
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