Haunting footage of Marshawn Kneeland realizing his NFL dream resurfaces after Cowboys star's shocking death

A poignant video of Marshawn Kneeland celebrating with his family after getting drafted by the Dallas Cowboys has gone viral following his tragic death at 24.

Kneeland, who was in his second season with the Cowboys, died by apparent suicide late on Wednesday night, just over 48 hours after scoring his first NFL touchdown.

The defensive end was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after fleeing Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and sparking a car chase at around 10:30pm local time on Wednesday, before abandoning it after crashing on Dallas Parkway.

The DPS, alongside the Frisco Police Department, then proceeded to search the immediate area, where his body was discovered. 

Kneeland's suicide has left the sporting world in shock, with a number of his Cowboys teammates paying tribute to him on Thursday.

And following the tragic news, footage of the former Western Michigan star reacting to the 2024 NFL Draft has resurfaced on social media.

Kneeland was taken by Dallas with the 56th overall pick in the second round of the draft, which sparked joyous scenes in his family home.

In the heartbreaking clip, he is seen grinning from ear to ear as his family members let out a huge cheer.

The new Cowboys recruit then leans forward and starts clapping as his loved ones go wild around him, with one of them grabbing his shoulders and shaking him in celebration.

Girlfriend Catalina Mancera - who sounded the alarm to the police on Wednesday night after receiving a concerning text message from her partner saying he would 'end it all' - is also seen recording the moment next to him in the video.

In devastating 911 audio obtained by TMZ, dispatchers could be heard relaying information from Catalina, who reportedly said that Kneeland had a history of mental illness and that he was armed.

The dispatch also stated that the NFL had contacted the Plano Police Department saying that the family of one of its players was concerned for his welfare. 'The subject is texting his family goodbye,' the operator said.  The Frisco Police Department is continuing to investigate Kneeland's death. 

Catalina is so distraught she cannot even bring herself to speak with close family, one of her relatives exclusively told the Daily Mail.

One of her cousins, Lexis Mancera Guerra said from her home in Michigan: ‘She won’t answer to anybody. She won’t talk. I don’t know what’s happening until I fly down there. I’m going down to support her.’

Asked why Catalina won’t respond to family, Lexis said: ‘I think it’s just a lot. I don’t know what happened.’

Kneeland's family released an emotional statement following the news of his passing, remembering him as a 'devoted son,  brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend.' 

'We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief,' they said. 'As Marshawn was making his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field - as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson, and friend.

'He was kind, determined, humble, and full of love. His light shone brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired.

'We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, fans, and the community. During this difficult time, we ask for privacy as we come together as a family to honor and remember Marshawn's life and legacy.'

Kneeland's heartbreaking death came just two days after he suited up for the Cowboys in their Monday Night Football matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

The defensive lineman achieved a major milestone during the clash, scoring his first professional touchdown when he scooped up a blocked punt in the end zone during the second quarter. 

The Cowboys honored him as a 'beloved teammate and member of our organization' in a statement shared on Thursday morning.

The NFL also paid tribute to the young football star, saying: 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates. We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources.'

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or at http://988lifeline.org.