Marshawn Kneeland's girlfriend decided to keep their baby, despite her parents' objections.

The Dallas Cowboys and the entire NFL continue to mourn the heartbreaking loss of Marshawn Kneeland, the young defensive standout who passed away at just 24 years old. But amid the tragedy, his girlfriend Catalina Mancera has made an emotional announcement: she is pregnant with their first child.

What the public did not know is that behind this announcement lies a private battle inside her own family.

According to Cowboys sources, Catalina’s parents strongly opposed her decision to keep the baby, fearing she would face unbearable pain and tremendous responsibility raising a child alone. But Catalina chose her own path, one she believes Kneeland would have wanted.

In her emotional statement, she said:
"My parents fear I will suffer, but I am not afraid. This baby is his legacy. He always dreamed of being a father and I will make that dream real."

At the November 12 press conference, head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed the team not only supports Catalina, but has created the Marshawn Kneeland Memorial Fund to ensure she and the child will be cared for for the rest of their lives.

Schottenheimer said:
"We want to make sure she is taken care of and the baby is taken care of for the rest of their lives."

Kneeland’s death left a deep emotional void in the team and everyone who knew him. He passed away only 48 hours after a standout Monday Night Football performance, where he scored a touchdown after recovering a blocked punt.

In his final hours, a heartbreaking sequence unfolded. Catalina contacted police, fearing he would take his own life. His family received a goodbye message. After hours of searching, police found Kneeland near his crashed vehicle.

While the Cowboys and the NFL community rally around Catalina, she faces another layer of pain as her family pushes back against her decision to keep the baby. Yet she remains resolute, believing this child is not only a symbol of love but the living legacy Marshawn Kneeland leaves behind.

The baby is still months away from entering the world, but for Catalina, it already carries the spirit of the man she lost.