Dallas Cowboys second-year defensive end Marshawn Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, is pregnant with the couple’s first child, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed at a press conference on Nov. 12. Schottenheimer said the organization has created the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund to “make sure she's taken care and the baby is taken care of for the rest of their lives.”

Kneeland, 24, died on Nov. 5, authorities say he was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after leading Texas DPS troopers on a chase north of Dallas and crashing his vehicle late that evening. His agent, Jonathan Perzley said he was “shattered to confirm” the player’s death. The night before he died, Kneeland had a standout performance on Monday Night Football, recovering a blocked punt and scoring a touchdown for the Cowboys.

Mancera recently broke her silence on social media, posting that she is “broken” and calling Kneeland “my sweet baby” while friends and family offered support in the comments. One friend wrote, "Love you cat. he is always with you. praying for you and thinking of you so much. and for his family and your family." 

Police audio obtained by People also reveals that Mancera called authorities hours earlier, warning she was concerned Kneeland was armed and might harm himself. Officials say troopers found Kneeland near his crashed car early Nov. 6.

The memorial fund’s donation page reads that proceeds will preserve Kneeland’s legacy and provide direct support for his partner and “unborn heir.” The Cowboys said they want to ensure both Mancera and the baby are cared for financially. 

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