The Dallas Cowboys are stepping up in the wake of the tragedy that hit their team.
It was late last week when the NFL made the sad announcement that Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland had passed away. Just a few days prior to his death, he had scored a defensive touchdown in the Cowboys’ game against the Arizona Cardinals:
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
According to the Frisco, Texas police department, officers responded to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety with locating a vehicle that had fled from police. When troopers found the car crashed, officers began searching the area with K9 and drones. But approximately three hours later, Kneeland was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
It’s a truly shocking story, and goes to show that you never know what people are going through.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer addressed Marshawn’s death during his time with the media today, and shared that everyone in the organization is grieving, and that they had just recently had a celebration of life in Kneeland’s honor:
“I’d like to take a few moments and offer my condolences to Marshawn’s family and Catalina, his girlfriend. We had an opportunity last night to celebrate Marshawn’s life, tell some stories, share, laugh and cry. Marshawn loved the words ‘One Love,’ so we talked a lot about love as we grieve.”
Shottenheimer also revealed that Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, is pregnant with the couple’s first baby.
That’s another devastating layer to add to an already heartbreaking story. But the Cowboys are looking to do all they can for the woman and her future child. They announced the creation of the “Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund,” which is “dedicated to preserving Marshawn’s legacy and extending his impact through direct support for his surviving partner and unborn heir.”
Schottenheimer says they want to help in any way that they can, and feel as though the memorial fund will aid Mancera in her and her baby’s life without Marshawn Kneeland:
“We want to make sure she’s taken care of and the baby is taken care of for the rest of their lives.”
Classy move by the Dallas Cowboys, and the right decision to make sure that Kneeland’s girlfriend and unborn child are properly taken care of.
Earlier today, Mancera – who was the one that alerted police that something was wrong with Kneeland on the night of his death – broke her silence on the horrible tragedy with these words shared through a Facebook post:
“My sweet baby, words could never express how broken I feel, you’re my everything. I’ll love you forever my beautiful angel.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988, or by chatting online at 988lifeline.org.
