Marshawn Kneeland’s team steps in to support his partner and unborn baby after heartbreaking loss

In the days following Marshawn Kneeland’s tragic passing, the Dallas Cowboys are centering their support around the family  Marshawn Kneeland left behind, especially his girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, who is expecting their child.

During a Nov. 12 press conference, coach Brian Schottenheimer shared that Catalina is pregnant. He also made a clear, heartfelt promise. The organization intends to support her and the baby in every way they can. His message was simple and deeply human.  No parent-to-be should face a loss like this alone.

Related: Navigating pregnancy loss after the loss of my mother 

Remembering Marshawn Kneeland beyond football

Marshawn Kneeland, a Dallas Cowboys defensive end, died at the age of 24 on Nov. 6. While his time in the NFL was brief, Kneeland’s impact extended well beyond the field. Coach Schottenheimer remembered him for his infectious joy, recalling that “his smile could take you to your knees” and that he had “the most playful spirit of any young man I’ve been around.”

Teammates also shared memories of how he checked in on rookies during tough practices and cracked jokes in the locker room to keep morale up. Those small acts of kindness, they said, made the biggest impact.

Those closest to him also recalled the phrase he loved most: “one love.” It is the message guiding how the team is now showing up for Catalina and the baby she is carrying.

Pregnancy and grief can collide in overwhelming ways

For Catalina, the announcement was a deeply personal reality unfolding alongside profound grief. Pregnancy can intensify emotions under the best of circumstances; navigating it while mourning a loved one is a reality many parents face but few talk about.  In a Nov. 10 Facebook post, she wrote openly about the pain of losing her partner while expecting their child. 

Research published in Taylor & Francis shows that losing a family member during pregnancy can heighten the risk of perinatal mental health challenges—a reminder that grief during this time deserves careful, compassionate support.

How the Cowboys are showing up for Catalina

In the days following Marshawn’s passing, the Cowboys community rallied quickly. They established the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund to support Catalina and her baby, but their care goes beyond financial help. It’s a commitment to showing up for a young mother facing an unimaginably difficult season.

Schottenheimer emphasized in his official statement, “Our guys—it’s very important to them and to us.” The gesture is a testament to the power of collective care, an example of how communities, even unconventional ones like a sports team, can step in to lift up a mother in need.

Support does not erase grief, but it creates a softer place to land. It reminds parents that they do not have to navigate the hardest days without help.

Holding grief and hope at the same time

As Catalina prepares to welcome her child, she carries both the weight of loss and the love that continues to surround her. The kindness of Kneeland’s teammates, coaches, and community reflects the best of what it means to show up for someone who is hurting. Even in heartbreak, these gestures help create a foundation of stability for the baby soon to arrive.

For any parent grieving during pregnancy or early parenthood, organizations like Postpartum Support International offer resources, connection, and compassionate guidance. No one should walk this path without support.

Related: A mother-in-law just showed the world what true support looks like

source https://www.mother.ly/pregnancy/marshawn-kneeland-team-support/