Tennessee Titans reserve receiver O.J. Murdock died from what appeared to be self-inflicted gunshots wounds, according to Tampa police.
The 25-year-old was found Monday morning inside of his car, which was parked outside his alma mater Middleton High School, police spokeswoman Andrea Davis said.
He later died at Tampa General Hospital.
The Titans released a statement Monday.
“We are shocked and saddened to hear of O.J. Murdock’s death this morning,” it said. “In his brief time here, a number of our players, coaches and staff had grown close to O.J., and this is a difficult time for them. He spent the last year battling back from an Achilles injury as he prepared for the year’s training camp. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as they try cope with this tragedy.”
Murdock was signed by the Titans last summer, but hurt his right Achilles early in training camp. He spent the entire 2011 season on injured reserve.
The team said that Murdock did not report to training camp over the weekend because of a personal issue.
Murdock becomes the fourth football player to die from suicide over the last two years. Three former NFL players, Junior Seau, Ray Easterling and Dave Duerson shot themselves. Both Easterling and Duerson’s families are suing the league over the long-term effects of concussions.
With Associated Press