Catalina Mancera, the pregnant girlfriend of late Dallas Cowboys star Marshawn Kneeland, has made a heartfelt plea to fans for photos and memories of the 24-year-old athlete.
Kneeland tragically died by apparent suicide on November 6, just two days after scoring his first NFL touchdown.
In an emotional post on Facebook, Mancera thanked supporters for their messages and shared her desire to gather as many mementos of Kneeland as possible.
“Every photo helps me hold onto a piece of him and the beautiful impact he had on all of us,” she wrote.
A Life and Career Cut Short
Kneeland had recently achieved a career milestone with the Cowboys, celebrating his first NFL touchdown—a moment that now takes on a bittersweet significance for family, friends, and fans.
Despite his professional success, tragedy struck just days later, leaving loved ones in shock.
Mancera, who is expecting their child, revealed the depth of her grief while reaching out to the public.
Her message was simple yet poignant: “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.”
The Circumstances of Kneeland’s Death
The sequence of events leading to Kneeland’s death unfolded rapidly.
Mancera had alerted authorities after becoming concerned for his safety when he refused to stop following a traffic violation in Frisco, Texas.
Police audio dispatches indicate Kneeland sent a group text saying “goodbye” to family before fleeing the scene after crashing his car into a pickup truck.
Officers later discovered his body in a port-a-potty in the early hours of November 6.
The shocking circumstances have left both the local community and NFL fans reeling.
Family and Friends Remember the NFL Star
Kneeland’s cousin, Nicole Kneeland-Woods, highlighted the long-standing bond between Marshawn and Catalina.
The couple had been together since his sophomore year at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and shared a deep, supportive relationship.
“Catalina is an important part of our family and she’s hurting deeply too,” Nicole said.
Mancera’s grief is compounded by the responsibility of preparing for their unborn child.
She is currently working on funeral arrangements while trying to process the sudden loss.
Honoring His Legacy
Catalina has also sought to preserve Kneeland’s memory through her business, SZN Stitches, which produces custom game-day apparel.
Many designs feature Kneeland’s image, name, and jersey number 94, allowing fans to celebrate his legacy on and off the field.
While police records referenced concerns about mental health, relatives have disputed claims that Kneeland struggled with such issues, painting a picture of a vibrant young man whose life ended far too soon.
Cowboys Face First Game After Tragedy
The Dallas Cowboys are preparing to take the field against the Las Vegas Raiders in their first game since Kneeland’s passing.
The team and its supporters are carrying the weight of mourning alongside celebrating the athlete’s achievements, keeping his memory alive as they continue the season.
A Call to Fans
Through her public plea, Mancera has invited fans to contribute to a collective memory of Kneeland’s life.
Photos, stories, and personal anecdotes are helping her preserve the joy, energy, and impact of a man gone far too soon.
“As I continue honoring Marshawn’s memory, I’m trying to gather as many photos and memories of him as possible,” she wrote.
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