Micah Parsons Honors Late Teammate Marshawn Kneeland — Promises to Support His Child “As If He Were My Own”

Dallas, TX – November 12, 2025
In an emotional gesture that has touched hearts across the NFL, Dallas Cowboys superstar OL Micah Parsons has vowed to step in and support the unborn child of his late teammate Marshawn Kneeland, who tragically passed away earlier this season.
Earlier today, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed that Kneeland’s longtime girlfriend, Catalina, is pregnant. The organization has established a dedicated trust fund to ensure that both mother and child receive lifelong care — a move that has drawn overwhelming support from fans, players, and staff alike.
But it was Micah Parsons’ deeply personal decision that truly moved the locker room. The All-Pro linebacker, known for his passion and leadership, announced that he would serve as the godfather to Kneeland’s child and personally cover all living and educational expenses throughout the child’s life.

“Marshawn was more than a teammate — he was my brother,” Parsons said softly during Wednesday’s media session. “He talked about being a dad one day, about doing things right. I can’t bring him back, but I can make sure his child never feels alone. That’s what family does.”

Heartbreaking: Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer revealed today that Marshawn Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina, is pregnant and the team has started a Fund to ensure that both she and the baby are taken care of.

Praying for her and their family 💔🙏 pic.twitter.com/morzYpXdW8

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 12, 2025

According to team officials, Parsons approached the organization immediately after hearing Schottenheimer’s announcement, requesting to make a private contribution to the newly established Marshawn Kneeland Legacy Fund. The linebacker has also pledged to set aside a portion of his annual salary to support Catalina and the child’s future.
The Cowboys locker room reportedly fell silent when Parsons shared the news with teammates, before breaking into applause. Several players, including Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, later said they would also contribute to the fund.

“That’s Micah,” Prescott said. “He talks a lot about brotherhood, but what he did today showed what that word really means.”

Kneeland, remembered for his relentless energy and infectious spirit, had grown especially close to Parsons during their time together in Dallas. The two often trained together in the offseason, and Parsons referred to him as “my little brother in every way.”
Catalina, through a statement released by the team, expressed gratitude and emotion at Parsons’ gesture:

“Marshawn always said Micah was the kind of teammate everyone dreams of. Knowing our baby will have someone like him watching over means the world.”

The Marshawn Kneeland Legacy Fund will be managed jointly by the Cowboys organization and Kneeland’s family, ensuring Catalina and her child receive full medical, educational, and financial support.
As the NFL community continues to mourn the loss of Kneeland, Parsons’ act of compassion has become a symbol of what true brotherhood in sports can look like.

“He may be gone,” Parsons said, his voice breaking slightly, “but his legacy isn’t. His child will grow up knowing who his father was — and that his father was loved.”

In a league often defined by competition and toughness, Micah Parsons has reminded everyone that its greatest stories are written not just in victories, but in acts of love, loyalty, and humanity.