Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland 's girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, was seen leaving an apartment building in Plano, Texas, where he had lived before his suicide death, as seen in photos obtained by The Daily Mail.
Mancera, who was photographed with Kneeland's sister Yahmya, 26, outside the luxury complex, said she is "grieving hard" and helping with funeral arrangements for the 24-year-old.
"I'm grieving hard right now. It will be a long time before I'll feel ready to talk at any length," Mancera said.
Calalina Mancera and Marshawn Kneeland. Instagram
"We're still in the early stages of everything. We are working on the funeral arrangements. I don't know where it's going to be yet."
Mancera would not speculate on Kneeland's suicide, adding, "It's too much."
Catalina Mancera. Instagram
Kneeland died by suicide at the age of 24 following a police pursuit Wednesday night into early Thursday on Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Kneeland was found dead at 1:31 a.m. with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Frisco police — who said they received information during their pursuit that Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations.
Marshawn Kneeland #94 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on from the sideline during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. Getty Images
According to 911 dispatch audio obtained by TMZ Sports , an operator stated that Kneeland's girlfriend said she received a concerning message from Kneeland and was trying to contact the defensive end's agent.
Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94), Malik Davis (43) and Damone Clark, right, celebrate after Kneeland recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 3, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. AP
A 911 operator said on the audio that his girlfriend stated that Kneeland was armed, has a history of mental illness — and she quoted him as saying he would "end it all."
Kneeland's death came days after he played 17 snaps during the Cowboys' 27-17 loss to the Cardinals.
He scored a touchdown on a blocked punt in the first half at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Kneeland and Mancera began dating when he was at Western Michigan University in her native Kalamazoo, his cousin Nicole Kneeland-Woods told the Daily Mail. He is from nearby Grand Rapids.
"They supported each other through many stages of life," Kneeland-Woods said. "Catalina is an important part of our family and she's hurting deeply too."
According to The Daily Mail, relatives of Kneeland denied a report that said Mancera stated the NFL player suffered from mental health issues in the 911 dispatch audio.
Kneeland's uncle Preston Kneeland confirmed the Marshawn had a permit to carry in Michigan.
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If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.
