Dallas, TX – November 12, 2025
In a deeply emotional gesture that has touched hearts across the NFL, Dallas Cowboys superstar linebacker 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 set up a dedicated trust fund to ensure lifelong care for both mother and child — a move that has received overwhelming support from fans, players, and staff alike.
But it was Parsons’ personal decision that truly moved the locker room. The All-Pro linebacker, known for his leadership and compassion, announced he would not only serve as godfather to Kneeland’s child but also establish a scholarship fund and personal savings account to cover all living, educational, and future expenses of the child.
“Marshawn was more than a teammate — he was my brother,” Parsons said softly during Wednesday’s media session. “He talked about becoming 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.”
According to team officials, Parsons approached the organization immediately after Schottenheimer’s announcement, requesting to make a private contribution to the newly established Marshawn Kneeland Legacy Fund. Parsons has also pledged to allocate a portion of his annual salary to secure 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 in Dallas. The two often trained together in the offseason, and Parsons referred to him as “my little brother in every way.”
Catalina, in 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 Scholarship and Savings 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 Kneeland, Parsons’ act of compassion has become a symbol of true brotherhood in sports.
“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 he was loved.”
In a league often defined by toughness and competition, Micah Parsons has reminded everyone that the greatest stories are written not just in victories, but in acts of love, loyalty, and humanity — now including a scholarship to secure Marshawn’s child’s future.
