Catalina Mancera, girlfriend of DE Marshawn Kneeland, released an emotional statement following his tragic death last week. ‘I am deeply grieving. It will be a long time before I’m ready to share everything.’
Catalina Mancera, girlfriend of DE Marshawn Kneeland, released an emotional statement following his tragic death last week. ‘I am deeply grieving. It will be a long time before I’m ready to share everything.’
Dallas, Texas – November 13, 2025
The atmosphere in Dallas remains heavy after the sudden death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland — a young, promising talent of the Dallas Cowboys, who passed away at age 24. His death is being investigated as a suicide, with initial findings indicating a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to statements from the Frisco Police Department and the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office. It is a devastating loss for the Cowboys and the NFL community, coming just two days after he scored the first touchdown of his professional career. But behind the heartbreak lies a story of love, hope, and loss shared between him and his girlfriend, Catalina Mancera — a story that has left the football world in silence.
HEARTBREAKING: #Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland’s girlfriend Catalina Mancera with a heartbreaking statement after he tragically died last week.
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) November 13, 2025
“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… pic.twitter.com/DhPsDZyqsG
Catalina, who had been with Kneeland since his early days at Western Michigan, recently released a heartbreaking message that moved the entire NFL community: “I am deeply grieving. It will be a long time before I’m ready to share everything.” What seemed like a brief, quiet statement carried a painful truth — she is pregnant with their first child.
According to ESPN, Catalina discovered she was pregnant just days before the tragedy occurred. She had planned to share the happy news with Kneeland after the Cowboys’ next game. But fate never gave them that moment. Family members revealed that Kneeland once said he dreamed of becoming “a father as great as my own” and had already begun searching for a home in the Dallas suburbs to “build a small nest after my first season.”
During the memorial at AT&T Stadium, teammates and coaches held a moment of silence. On the giant screen, an image of Kneeland smiling with his hand over his heart during his first appearance as a Cowboys player brought many to tears. “He had the soul of a good man — always helping others, always bringing positive energy,” head coach Dan Quinn shared.
Cowboys fans have sent thousands of letters and messages to Catalina, affectionately calling the unborn baby “Little Star” — the small star meant to carry on Marshawn’s light. A fundraising campaign titled “For Kneeland’s Legacy” has also been launched to support Catalina and the child.
Marshawn Kneeland may have left far too soon, but his story — of love, resilience, and a new life on the way — will be remembered as a reminder that sometimes a person’s greatest legacy isn’t found on the field, but in the hearts of those they leave behind.
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As the season gradually winds down and the cold numbers of the salary cap begin to speak up, Elgton Jenkins understands that his future in Green Bay is being questioned. With a large cap hit and a series of tough decisions ahead, the Packers may be forced to part ways with one of their quietest pillars. But instead of staying silent, Jenkins chose to speak up — with emotion and loyalty.
For many years, Jenkins has been the model of stability on the Packers’ offensive line. From guard to tackle to center, he does everything the team asks with a rare level of professionalism. This season’s injury only makes the prospect of parting ways more painful, but it also exposes something else: Jenkins’ importance lies not just in the position he plays, but in the identity he brings to the locker room.
Amid speculation about being cut to free up salary cap space, Jenkins sent a message that brought the Packers community to a hush. Not with complaints or pressure, but with a desire to stay — even if that means financial sacrifice. For Jenkins, Green Bay isn’t just a workplace; it’s home.
“I understand this is a business and there are tough decisions,” Jenkins shared. “But if the question is what I’m willing to do to stay, the answer is very clear. I’m willing to sit down, willing to sacrifice. My heart belongs to Green Bay — and I want to keep fighting for this jersey.” Those words spread quickly, striking straight at the emotions of Packers Nation.
Now, the ball is in management’s court. The Packers can choose the financially optimal path, or find a way to balance the numbers with the human element. Whatever the final decision, Elgton Jenkins has left an indelible mark: in an NFL full of upheaval, there are still players willing to put their love for the team above everything else. And for Green Bay fans, that is worth more than any contract.
