The pregnant girlfriend of late Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland, Catalina Mancera, is reflecting on her emotional baby shower six months after his tragic death.
“Words can’t explain how thankful I am for the people God has placed in my life,” Mancera posted via Instagram on Monday, May 11. “In such a hard season, the love and support surrounding me has made everything feel a little brighter. I’m so grateful for everyone who came out to celebrate me and baby, and even those who couldn’t make it but still showed love from afar. I also want to thank my family for throwing me such a beautiful shower in Michigan.”
She added, “I want to thank both of our families for all the love they’ve poured into me during this time. I’ll never forget the kindness, prayers, and support that have carried me through all of this 🤍.”
Mancera shared a carousel of pictures and videos from the celebration, which included photo stations and custom blue cookies, hinting that she is expecting a baby boy on her due date next month.
Kneeland died by suicide in November 2025 at the age of 24. Shortly after his death, it was revealed that Kneeland and Mancera are expecting their first baby.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced the creation of the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund less than one week after his sudden passing, which has raised money to help support Catalina and the couple’s unborn baby.
In December 2025, Mancera acknowledged the bittersweet nature of her pregnancy.
“My sweet baby, I dreamed of you long before I ever knew you,” she wrote via Instagram. “I dreamed of building a family, of the life your dad and I talked about and imagined together. I’m so excited for you, but my heart still aches. It aches for the moments I won’t get to share with him, and for the love I wish you could experience the way I did.”
Mancera continued, “I don’t think time will ever make this easier, but I know God knew what my heart needed. He blessed me with you when I needed you most. In the middle of all this, you gave me purpose, hope, and something to hold onto. I trust God’s timing, even when it hurts, and I know He’s carrying us both. I promise to love you with everything I have for me and for your dad. I can’t wait to meet you, to hold you, and to watch you grow.”
