Marshawn Kneeland’s Girlfriend Speaks Out Following Cowboys Star’s Passing
The partner of the late Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has spoken out following the unexpected passing of the NFL athlete.
“I’m experiencing intense grief right now,” Catalina Mancera shared with the Daily Mail on Monday, November 10. “It will take a long time before I am ready to talk in detail.”
Mancera, aged 22, contacted the police the night before Kneeland’s passing on Thursday, November 6. She voiced concerns about Kneeland’s mental health, informing officers of his “history of mental illness.”
Following a short pursuit, Kneeland was discovered near his abandoned vehicle on the Dallas Parkway, having died from an apparent suicide. He was just 24 years old.
“We are still in the early phases of everything,” Mancera continued. “We are in the process of organizing the funeral. I am uncertain about the location at this moment.”
Kneeland is survived by his father, Shawn, who is currently imprisoned in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, along with his three siblings: brothers AJ and Shawn Jr., and sister Yahmya.
His mother, Wendy, passed away in February 2024, merely two months before he was selected in the second round by the Cowboys during the 2024 NFL Draft.
Mancera, a fashion designer, has been residing in the Plano, Texas, apartment that Kneeland called home before his death.
Nicole Kneeland-Woods, Marshawn’s cousin, informed the Daily Mail that the NFL player began his relationship with Mancera while attending Western Michigan University.
“Marshawn had a very meaningful connection with Catalina. They had been together since his sophomore year in college,” she stated. “They supported one another through various life phases. Catalina is a significant part of our family, and she is suffering greatly as well.”
Despite claims made by 911 dispatchers regarding Catalina’s statements, Nicole clarified, “There were no prior signs or warnings that Marshawn was struggling with mental health issues.”
“Marshawn was a strong, compassionate individual who truly cared for his family and those around him,” Nicole noted.
Along with experiencing the loss of his mother, Marshawn also faced the passing of his grandfather in 2023, which Nicole described as “incredibly challenging for him.”
“However, aside from this grief, Marshawn did not exhibit any signs of depression or mental health concerns,” Nicole stated. “Our family is heartbroken and is still trying to process a situation that feels incomprehensible. We want everyone to remember Marshawn for his kindness, humor, and determination. He was deeply loved, and that love will forever be his legacy.”
A former coach of the late Dallas Cowboys lineman Marshawn Kneeland shared that he spoke with the NFL star just days prior to his sudden passing. “I am devastated at this moment; my heart and the hearts of Marshawn’s family, teammates, and coaches are shattered,” stated University of Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito […]
Dallas Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, also commented on Marshawn’s death on Tuesday, November 11.
“We all have deep feelings for those we love and work with, and this is a moment to recognize that there are no clear answers,” Jones, 83, expressed on Dallas’ 105.3 The Fan. “It encourages us to embrace life fully and seek the best for one another. In some way, it makes sense of these difficult times regarding how we can assist those still with us.”
He further added, “All these thoughts come to mind naturally, but Marshawn’s passing has raised a national awareness, shedding light on how we proceed moving forward.”
If you or someone you know is feeling distressed or in crisis, help is within reach. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
