Marshawn Kneeland and his girlfriend, Catalina Mancera.
Marshawn Kneeland and his girlfriend, Catalina Mancera.
Marshawn Kneeland, who died on Nov. 5, had been dating his girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, since at least 2022
Mancera broke her silence on his death on Nov. 10, writing on Facebook that she feels "broken"
On Nov. 12, the Dallas Cowboys head coach announced during a press conference that Mancera is pregnant, expecting her and the late NFL star's first child
Marshawn Kneeland's girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, was by his side throughout his NFL career before his tragic death at 24 years old.
The late Dallas Cowboys player, who died on Nov. 5, kept his personal life largely private. While it's unknown how long he and Mancera were together, she has been sharing photos with the late NFL player since at least 2022, including several snapshots supporting him during his second year with the Cowboys.
Just two days after Kneeland scored his first NFL touchdown, his team announced his death in a statement shared with PEOPLE on Nov. 6, writing, "It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away."
"Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization," the statement continued. "Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family."
The football player died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after leading Texas DPS troopers on a chase just north of Dallas that Wednesday night, authorities said.
Mancera broke her silence in a Nov. 10 post on Facebook, writing that she will love him "forever."
So, who was Marshawn Kneeland's girlfriend? Here's everything to know about Catalina Mancera and her relationship with the late NFL player.
Mancera is from Michigan
Marshawn Kneeland during the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 28, 2024, in Indianapolis
Marshawn Kneeland during the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 28, 2024, in Indianapolis
Like Kneeland, Mancera grew up in Michigan. According to her Facebook, she was raised in Lawrence, Mich.
Though she tends to keep her personal life private and hasn't publicly discussed her upbringing, Mancera shared a heartfelt Facebook post in June 2025 honoring her roots.
"I will always be proud of where I come from and of those who sacrificed everything so I could have the chance to dream 🇲🇽 🇨🇴 🫶🏽," she wrote.
She makes game day apparel
Mancera's support for Kneeland's NFL career went beyond just cheering from the stands. In October 2025, she launched her own custom game-day apparel business, Szn Stitches.
"Welcome to SZN stitches- where fashion meets football," she wrote on the business' first Instagram post. "For the girls who love a little sparkle, a little stitching, and a lot of team spirit. custom. crafted. unforgettable."
That same day, Mancera shared a photo of herself sporting denim shorts with Kneeland's face on them.
She attended many of Kneeland’s football games
Marshawn Kneeland #94 of the Dallas Cowboys during a preseason game on Aug. 11, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif.
Marshawn Kneeland #94 of the Dallas Cowboys during a preseason game on Aug. 11, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif.
While it’s unclear when Kneeland and Mancera began dating, she was by his side throughout his NFL career. In November 2024 — his first season with the Dallas Cowboys — Mancera shared photos on Facebook showing her cheering him on from the sidelines.
A few months later, in January 2025, she posted more snapshots on Facebook from Kneeland’s “rookie year,” including one of him signing autographs and another featuring her alongside other players’ girlfriends.
As his second year with the team was underway, Mancera continued to show her support, sharing photos from games in Chicago, Los Angeles and, of course, at their home stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Beyond football, the couple enjoyed traveling together, with a trip to Miami in March 2022 and another to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, in February 2025.
Mancera said she feels “broken” after his death
A few days after Kneeland's death, Mancera broke her silence in a Facebook post on Nov. 10, sharing a photo with her late boyfriend alongside a heartfelt message.
"my sweet baby, words could never express how broken I feel, you’re my everything," she wrote. "I’ll love you forever my beautiful angel."
Mancera's friends and family shared their words of support in the comments. "Marshawn will always be with you," one person commented. "You could see the love you shared so deeply!"
She is expecting her and Kneeland's first child
Marshawn Kneeland #94 of the Dallas Cowboys prior to an NFL football game on Dec. 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.
Marshawn Kneeland #94 of the Dallas Cowboys prior to an NFL football game on Dec. 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.
During a press conference on Nov. 12, Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed that Mancera is pregnant, expecting her and Kneeland's first child.
"We want to make sure she's taken care of and the baby is taken care of for the rest of their lives," Schottenheimer said during the press conference. He shared that the Cowboys have created the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund, which aims to financially support both Mancera and their baby.
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