Catalina Mancera, the pregnant girlfriend of Marshawn Kneeland, is reaching out to fans for support in her grief by asking them to share ‘memories’ of him.
After the untimely death of the Dallas Cowboys player earlier this month, Catalina has addressed the public twice, the second occasion being a heartfelt request for fans to send their photo memories of Marshawn.
In a Facebook post shared on Saturday, Mancera wrote: “Hi everyone, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for all the love, prayers, and messages that have been sent my way.
“Your support has meant more to me than I can put into words during such a painful time.”
“As I continue honoring Marshawn’s memory, I’m trying to gather as many photos and memories of him as possible.
“If you have any pictures of Marshawn whether they’re recent, old, funny, or meaningful. I would truly appreciate it if you could share them with me.”
She then poignantly admitted: “every photo helps me hold onto a piece of him and the beautiful impact he had on all of us.”
Concluding her message with another expression of gratitude for the condolences she has received, Mancera added: “Thank you again for your kindness, your prayers, and for keeping my sweet baby in your hearts.
“It brings me comfort knowing how deeply he was loved.”
Kneeland tragically passed away on November 5, just two years into fulfilling his dream role as a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys.
His death appears to have been from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, occurring shortly after he celebrated a major career achievement—his first NFL touchdown.
In the hours before Kneeland’s death, Mancera had contacted authorities to express her concern about his mental state and informed police that he was in possession of a firearm.
The Dallas Cowboys confirmed his passing on November 6 with a statement to the public: “It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away.
“Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
In her own tribute, Mancera wrote a moving post about her late boyfriend: “My sweet baby, words could never express how broken I feel, you’re my everything.
“I’ll love you forever my beautiful angel 🤍.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.