The NFC East organization is in deep mourning after the unexpected loss of their young defensive end, as those closest to him struggle to face both their grief and the future that has been changed forever. Teammates and staff members are leaning on each other as they process the shock of a life ended far too soon.
The sudden passing of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has devastated the Dallas Cowboys and those within his inner circle. The heartbreak is even heavier because his girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, is expecting their first child, strengthening the team’s resolve to honor Kneeland’s memory and stand firmly beside his family.
The Cowboys’ Heartfelt Effort to Protect Kneeland’s Loved Ones
In an emotional press conference, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer addressed the loss, speaking about Kneeland’s bright personality and the immense emptiness his death has left in the locker room.
Schottenheimer described a painful night spent with players and staff as they remembered Kneeland — a night filled with stories, tears, and laughter threaded with sorrow. The young defender’s warm smile and kind nature, he noted, had left an unforgettable imprint on everyone who knew him.
The Cowboys chose to respond not just with words, but with a meaningful action designed to support Kneeland’s loved ones. The organization created the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund, intended to provide long-term support for Mancera and her soon-to-be-born baby, ensuring that Kneeland’s legacy lives on through the family he would have raised.
Speaking about why this support is essential, Schottenheimer said, “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.”
Healing Through Togetherness
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the five-time Super Bowl champions have drawn closer, finding comfort in shared meals, quiet conversations, and periods of reflection. A vigil was held with Mancera at its center, emphasizing the team’s commitment to protecting and supporting her.
Schottenheimer explained that healing is an ongoing, collective effort. The team has turned to counseling as well as to each other, relying on brotherhood and professional support to help them navigate their grief.
Mancera, who typically maintains a private life, spoke out for the first time in a Facebook post on November 10, 2025, sharing her devastation. Her grace under unimaginable circumstances has strengthened the Cowboys’ determination to look after her and the baby.
Tributes have been planned — from helmet decals to a permanent locker display — but the memorial fund stands out as the most deeply meaningful, representing a lasting promise to secure the future Kneeland had hoped for. As the Cowboys continue grieving, they are united by a vow that Mancera and her child will never face the future alone.
The Tragic Night That Changed Everything
As previously reported, the emotional press conference came after the horrifying events of the night Kneeland died.
He was found dead in the early morning hours of November 5, 2025. Authorities later confirmed that his death was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
That night unfolded as a desperate search involving multiple law enforcement agencies, a terrified girlfriend, and a chilling final message from Kneeland — a series of events that ended in an unimaginable loss for everyone who loved him.
“He Will End It All”: Panic as Mancera Alerts Authorities
According to officials, the ordeal began when Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers pursued Kneeland’s vehicle into Frisco at around 10:39 p.m. During this time, Mancera called 911, trying frantically to help.
She told dispatch that Kneeland was armed and had a history of mental health struggles. She said she tried to reach his agent but was instead advised to call Kneeland directly.
While pregnant, Mancera delivered a chilling warning to the dispatcher: “He will end it all.”
Moments later, dispatch audio captured another alarming detail — Kneeland had sent a group text message to loved ones, saying goodbye. Panic swept through his family and friends.
Officers Trace Kneeland’s Final Movements
While loved ones held onto hope, officers were scrambling to locate Kneeland. They discovered his crashed vehicle along the southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway, but he had already escaped on foot.
A large search began, using K-9 teams and drones. Then officers noticed something disturbing. A portable toilet near a building had its door slightly open, and a pool of red liquid was seeping out.
“Door’s open. Red liquid coming out,” an officer reported over the radio.
A thermal scan confirmed someone was inside. When responders gained access, they found Kneeland’s body.
“He’s lying on his side facing inward, and there’s a significant amount of blood,” an officer said quietly.
The NFL player was declared dead a little after 1:30 a.m. The Collin County Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death. The investigation remains active, and no further developments have been shared.
His death stunned the sports world and left his family facing overwhelming grief.
A Rising NFL Career Cut Short
Just two days before his death, Kneeland had returned a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. A fan account posted the highlight on Instagram, celebrating a major moment in what would have been the early phase of his NFL career.
Following the tragic news, his agent, Jonathan Perzley of Sportstars, Inc., released a statement on Instagram honoring Kneeland’s journey — from his determined college years at Western Michigan University to becoming a respected player in the NFL. He praised Kneeland’s work ethic, character, and kindness. Perzley also requested privacy for his client’s family, friends, and teammates.
Western Michigan University also expressed condolences. Kneeland played there from 2019 to 2023, and the athletic department remembered him as an essential part of their program and a cherished member of the campus community.
He earned a degree in Sports Management and was drafted by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft after an impressive final season and a strong showing in the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Former WMU head coach Lance Taylor said Kneeland made a profound impact in a short amount of time. He shared:
“Marshawn was far more than an incredible football player — he was an extraordinary young man who meant so much to our program and to me personally. His energy, leadership, and smile were infectious, and his influence will stay with all of us.”
Dan Bartholomae, WMU’s Vice President and Director of Athletics, added that while Kneeland’s on-field talent helped him reach the NFL, it was his attitude, relationships, and respectful presence that truly defined his legacy at Western Michigan.