Dallas Cowboys players returned for offseason work while emotions around Marshawn Kneeland still stayed heavy inside the organization.

The former Cowboys player died in November 2025 at age 24. His death was a surprise to his teammates, coaches, and many NFL fans.

This week, Kneeland’s girlfriend Catalina Mancera shared a personal update on Instagram during her baby shower celebration. Friends and family members joined her gathering in Michigan.

Mancera thanked supporters who helped her through recent months after Kneeland’s death. She wrote, “In such a hard season, the love and support surrounding me has made everything feel a little brighter.”

The emotional message quickly spread across football social media pages. Many Cowboys fans responded with support for Mancera and her future child.

Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer previously confirmed Mancera was pregnant with Kneeland’s baby. The coach also announced that the team had created the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund to provide financial support.

Schottenheimer said, “We want to make sure she is taken care of.” The Cowboys coach shared those comments during a November 2025 press conference.

Marshawn Kneeland’s career with Cowboys

Kneeland entered the NFL after Dallas selected him during the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The former Western Michigan defender played 18 regular-season games with the Cowboys.

He recorded 26 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 fumble recovery during his professional career. Kneeland also scored his first NFL touchdown days before his death.

Another incident drew attention again when rookie Kelvin Gilliam wore the number 94 during practice. That jersey number used to belong to Kneeland.

Former Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas posted, “That 94 should have been off limits until my brother’s contract fully expired.” Many fans supported his opinion online.