Catalina Mancera, the girlfriend of late Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, has welcomed their first child into the world, bringing a beautiful moment of light to the Cowboys family seven months after a heartbreaking loss.

Mancera took to social media on Monday, June 15, to introduce their baby boy, Makhai, who was born on June 11. In a deeply moving post, she called the newborn her favorite gift from Kneeland. She shared a photo holding a picture of little Makhai set against his tiny ink footprints, and another sweet shot of the baby wearing a custom onesie featuring a woven image of his dad in his Dallas Cowboys jersey. Mancera also looked back on happier times, including a video of the exact moment she showed Kneeland her positive pregnancy test, catching his immediate smile.

The arrival of baby Makhai comes after Kneeland tragically passed away at just 24 years old on Nov. 5, 2025, from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, as reported by The Dallas Morning News.

The public first learned about the upcoming addition to the family a week after Kneeland’s passing. During a November 12 press conference, Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced that Mancera was expecting and made it clear that the organization would stand by her side. Schottenheimer told reporters that the team wanted to make sure Mancera and the baby are taken care of for the rest of their lives.

True to their word, the franchise launched the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund, ensuring that the Cowboys community will continue to surround Catalina and baby Makhai with the financial support and care they need for the future.