Catalina Mancera shares emotional message to her unborn baby after Marshawn Kneeland’s tragic death — says ‘I don’t think…’

Komal Thakur | Dec 30, 2025, 13:13 IST

Catalina shares heartfelt message after Kneeland’s death<br>

Image credit : Instagram/ @ lluv_c4ty | Catalina shares heartfelt message after Kneeland’s death

Catalina Mancera shares an emotional message to her unborn baby after Marshawn Kneeland’s tragic death, expressing love and grief.

Almost two months after the tragic death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, his pregnant girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, is opening up about her journey toward motherhood while coping with grief. The 24-year-old athlete died by apparent suicide on November 6, leaving Mancera to face the challenges of pregnancy without him by her side.

A heartfelt message to their baby

Catalina Mancera, an entrepreneur and founder of custom game-day apparel brand Szn Stitches, shared a heartfelt message to her unborn child on Instagram. Alongside an ultrasound photo, she wrote, “I dreamed of you long before I ever knew you… I’m so excited for you, but my heart still aches.” She expressed her grief for the moments she won’t get to share with Kneeland and the love she wishes her baby could experience as she did.

Image credit : Instagram/ @lluv_c4ty | Catalina Mancera opens up about Marshawn and their baby

Even amid her grief, Mancera finds hope in the arrival of her child, due in June. “I don’t think time will ever make this easier, but I know God knew what my heart needed,” she said. “He blessed me with you when I needed you most. In the middle of all this, you gave me purpose, hope, and something to hold onto.”

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Preparing for motherhood solo

Though she hadn’t anticipated parenting alone, Mancera vowed to give her baby unconditional love. “I promise to love you with everything I have for me and for your dad. I can’t wait to meet you, to hold you, and to watch you grow. I love you already,” she added. Her words reflect a strong commitment to providing a nurturing and loving environment for her child, despite heartbreak.

Image credit : Instagram/ @lluv_c4ty | Catalina honors the love she shared with Marshawn

Reflecting on Kneeland’s final days

Shortly before his death, Kneeland was involved in a high-speed car chase in Texas, reaching speeds of up to 145 mph. After crashing, authorities eventually found his body, confirming the devastating loss. In a Facebook tribute, Mancera described him as her “everything” and vowed eternal love for him.

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Community support and legacy

The Dallas Cowboys organisation has shown support for Mancera by creating the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund to ensure she and the baby are supported. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer highlighted that Kneeland remains a cherished part of the team’s family: “Our guys, it's very important to them and to us. He's still part of the team.”

Image credit : Instagram/ @m_kneeland99 | Dallas Cowboys mourn Marshawn Kneeland’s sudden death

As Mancera prepares for motherhood, she honours Kneeland’s memory while finding strength in their unborn child. Her journey is a reminder of love, loss, and strength amid the heartbreaking loss.

GENERAL

Komal Thakur