Cowboys coach says late NFL player Marshawn Kneeland’s girlfriend is pregnant, team launches memorial fund

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Marshawn Kneeland, who appeared in 18 games with the Dallas Cowboys since his 2024 NFL rookie season, died at the age of 24, but there is new hope that the late defensive lineman’s legacy will live on.

On Wednesday, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer revealed that Kneeland's girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, is expecting the couple's child.

"[Catalina is] pregnant and so we want to make sure she is taken care of and the baby is taken care of for the rest of their lives," Schottenheimer told reporters during his media availability. "Our guys—it’s very important to them and to us."

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Marshawn Kneeland (94) of the Dallas Cowboys looks on from the sideline during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Dec. 9, 2024. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Schottenheimer also revealed that the team launched a memorial fund honoring Kneeland and supporting Catalina. The first-year Dallas head coach also recalled some of the memories he shared with the former NFL player.

"Marshawn loved the words ‘one love,’" Schottenheimer explained. "So we talked a lot about love as we grieve."

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Schottenheimer noted that he will remember Kneeland for being one of "the most playful spirits of any young man I’ve been around."

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer looks on prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Oct. 19, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)

"His smile could take you to your