Marshawn Kneeland’s Girlfriend Reveals She’s ‘Fallen Deeper Into a Dark Place’

Catalina Mancera, the expectant girlfriend of the late Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland, openly shared her struggles in her first Instagram post following the unexpected passing of the NFL star.

“I’ve been putting this off because I can’t bring myself to accept this as my new reality,” Mancera expressed in a post featuring a carousel of moments on Monday, November 24. “I still hold onto a flicker of hope that Marshawn will walk through our front door, singing and dancing to the music he loved. This is no longer my life; I’m now facing my worst nightmare. Marshawn was not just my boyfriend; he was my best friend, my muse, and my inspiration.”

Kneeland tragically passed away from an apparent suicide on November 6 at just 24 years old.

Mancera, who had been in a relationship with Kneeland since his college days at Western Michigan University, remarked that her days now feel “hollow.”

“I feel like I’ve sunk deeper into a dark abyss,” Mancera shared. “My dear boy is truly gone. I would do anything to hold you just one more time and tell you how much I cherish you. But now you’re my guardian, waiting for me on the other side. I will see you again. Thank you for choosing me and allowing me to love you. I will always be grateful for the moments we shared.”

Mancera concluded, “Your laughter will forever echo in my mind. I will carry on your legacy for as long as I live. I can’t predict what the future holds for me, but you will be a part of every step I take. You will never be forgotten. I will love you eternally, my sweet angel 🤍.”

In the wake of Kneeland’s passing, the Cowboys announced the establishment of the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund to support Mancera and her child.

Mancera attended the Cowboys’ first game back at AT&T Stadium following Kneeland’s death, a thrilling 24-21 comeback against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, November 23.

The Cowboys played their first game after Kneeland’s passing at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Monday, November 17, achieving a 33-16 victory that head coach Brian Schottenheimer noted was accompanied by heavy hearts.

“They were determined to honor him, and our tributes aren’t complete,” Schottenheimer, 52, told reporters afterward. “He’s a part of our family forever. These last 11 days have been really challenging. I’m proud of how they played today—going out there and embodying Marshawn’s spirit.”

Dallas players and coaches donned T-shirts in memory of Kneeland before the game and will sport helmet decals featuring his No. 94 for the rest of the season.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t shed a few tears when I first put the shirt on, as you might expect,” Schottenheimer admitted. “But more than anything, I felt Marshawn was watching over us, and we wanted to make him proud. I believe we accomplished that.”

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