The NFL is still reeling from the sudden death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland. But while the sports world mourns, one woman’s heartbreak stands front and center: his pregnant girlfriend, Catalina Mancera.

In the early hours of November 5, 2025, Catalina Mancera made a desperate call to 911, trying to prevent the unthinkable.

The audio from that night captures the panic and desperation in her voice. Kneeland’s girlfriend told dispatchers she had gotten a “concerning message” from him.

She told dispatchers that the defensive end was “armed” and had a history of mental health struggles. Mancera explained that she had tried reaching out to his agent, but was instructed to contact Kneeland, 24, directly instead.

“He will end it all,” she cried to the 911 operator, begging for help as the man she loved, and the father of their unborn baby, was armed and threatening to take his own life.

Her words sparked a frantic search across Frisco, Texas.

Officers tracked Kneeland after a vehicle pursuit, finding his crashed car and ultimately discovering him inside a portable toilet, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities confirmed his death just after 1:30 a.m.

Determined to protect his legacy

Catalina Mancera, largely private before this tragedy, has since become a focal point of the Cowboys’ support and care. She shared her grief in a Facebook post on November 10, 2025, speaking to fans and loved ones directly:

“Hi everyone, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for all the love, prayers, and messages that have been sent my way. Your support has meant more to me than I can put into words during such a painful time,” she wrote.

She continued, explaining how she is gathering memories of Kneeland to hold onto his spirit:

“As I continue honoring Marshawn’s memory, I’m trying to gather as many photos and memories of him as possible. If you have any pictures of Marshawn whether they’re recent, old, funny, or meaningful, I would truly appreciate it if you could share them with me. Every photo helps me hold onto a piece of him and the beautiful impact he had on all of us.”

Mancera’s courage and composure have resonated deeply with fans, the team, and the public — highlighting the incredible emotional labor she is undertaking while preparing to become a mother.

The Cowboys’ promise

In a deeply emotional press conference, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer paid tribute to Kneeland’s radiant spirit and assured that Mancera and their child would be cared for:

“She’s pregnant. And so we want to make sure she’s taken care of and the baby is taken care of for the rest of their lives.”

The team also created the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund, a commitment to provide financial support for Mancera and her unborn child, ensuring the defensive end’s legacy lives on through his family.

Infectious smile

Kneeland’s death has left a void in the NFL, especially after his breakout performances just days earlier, including recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.

His teammates, coaches, and Western Michigan University alumni remember him as more than an athlete — a young man whose leadership, warmth, and infectious smile left an indelible mark.

But Mancera’s actions — the 911 call, her ongoing efforts to preserve his memory, and her bravery in navigating grief while expecting their first child — has struck a chord beyond the football field. She has become the face of strength, resilience, and love amid tragedy.

“Thank you again for your kindness, your prayers, and for keeping my sweet baby in your hearts,” she wrote. “It brings me comfort knowing how deeply he was loved.”