Marshawn Kneeland’s partner Catalina reveals pregnancy days after NFL player’s death

The partner of late Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland has revealed she is pregnant with his child.

A memorial fundraiser has been set up for Catalina and her baby after Kneeland tragically took his own life last week at just 24.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the American football community is wrapping its arms around the heartbroken partner.

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“We want to make sure she’s taken care of, and the baby’s taken care of for the rest of their lives. Our guys are very – it’s very important to them and to us,” Schottenheimer said.

“My heart is heavy. Our team’s heart is heavy. We don’t move on, but do we move forward.”

“I think it’s going to hit everybody different. I literally wasn’t sure if I could get through my part of last night speaking at his candlelight vigil, and I did.

“You just take it one day at a time, and you don’t have to have all the answers. We don’t have all the answers. We probably won’t have all the answers.

“You lean into one another, you love on one another.”

Kneeland was being chased by police after he refused to stop for a traffic violation.

The Dallas Cowboys says their thoughts and prayers are now Marshawn’s girlfriend, Catalina, and his family. Credit: Instagram

The 24-year-old then crashed his car and ran away from the scene at around 10.33pm (local time).

His body was found a few hours later at 1.31am local time on Thursday. Police said he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“After losing visual of the vehicle, troopers located it minutes later, crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway,” police said in a statement said.

Police also revealed while they were searching for Kneeland that they had been told that the footballer had previously “expressed suicidal ideations”.

The Cowboys selected Kneeland with their second-round pick in the 2024 draft, the 56th overall selection.

He played in 11 games during his rookie season and appeared in seven games in 2025, recording his first career sack in Week 1.

The week before his death, he scored a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals, recovering a blocked punt in the end zone.

A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kneeland attended Western Michigan University beginning in 2019.

He almost transferred to play for Deion Sanders at Colorado in 2022 before deciding to remain in his home state. During his collegiate career, Kneeland recorded 149 tackles, 13 sacks and three forced fumbles in 38 games.

Before playing at Western Michigan, Kneeland attended Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan, where he set school records for tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks, and he was a team captain. He was also a regional champion in track in the 400 meters and an all-conference high jumper.

In 18 career NFL games, Kneeland had 26 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one pass defended.

The Cowboys’ next game is on November 17.

“The NFL Players’ Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Marshawn Kneeland. He is impact on those around him was immeasurable, and his loss is felt profoundly across our community,” the union said in a statement.

“We’re working to ensure that players have the support they need, and our condolences are with Marshawn’s family and loved ones.”

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.

– With NBC