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Marshawn Nilandwho appeared in 18 games for the Dallas Cowboys since his 2024 NFL rookie season has died at age 24, but there is new hope that the late defensive lineman's legacy will live on.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced Wednesday that Niland's girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, is expecting the couple's child.
“[Catalina is] pregnant, and so we want to make sure that she is taken care of and the baby is taken care of for the rest of her life.” Schottenheimer told reporters. “Our guys, it’s very important for them and for us.”
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Marshawn Niland of the Dallas Cowboys during the national anthem before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on December 9, 2024. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Schottenheimer also said the team has created a memorial fund in Niland's honor and in support of Catalina. Dallas' first-year head coach also recalled some memories he shared with his former coach. NFL player.
“Marshawn liked the words ‘one love,’” Schottenheimer explained. “So we talked a lot about love while we grieve.”
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Schottenheimer noted that he will remember Niland as one of the “most playful people of all the young men I have been around.”
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer before the game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on October 19, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
“His smile could bring you to your knees,” the coach said. “And if we talk about him as an athlete, then no one had a better engine than him. So my heart is heavy.
“Our team’s hearts are heavy. We are not moving forward, but we are moving forward.”
Mancera recently shared a message about his heartbreaking loss.
“My sweet baby, words will never be able to express how broken I am,” she wrote in a social media post. “You are everything to me. I will love you forever, my beautiful angel.”
Dallas Cowboys defensive back Marshawn Niland stands on the field after a game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on August 16, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
Frisco police said the defensive lineman died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities responded after the driver reportedly evaded police during a pursuit. Officers arrived on scene to find a vehicle crashed near the southbound lanes of a local parkway. Niland fled on foot, police said.
Authorities also said Niland contacted his family via text message before his death to say goodbye to them, police told dispatchers, according to audio obtained and reviewed by People. The investigation is ongoing.
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Shortly after the tragedy, the Cowboys released a statement that read: “It is with great sadness that the Dallas Cowboys announce that Marshawn Niland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers for Marshawn go out to his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
The Cowboys selected Niland in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He recorded the first sack of his professional career in the season-opening game against Philadelphia Eagles.
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Cowboys coach says late NFL player Marshawn Niland's girlfriend is pregnant, team is creating memorial fund
