Tampa police said Murdock died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was found in his car in front of Middleton High School around 8:30 am Tampa time. He was rushed to Tampa General Hospital and was pronounced dead just over two hours later.

“We are shocked and saddened to hear of O.J. Murdock’s death this morning,” the Titans said in a statement.

“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 this year’s training camp. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as they try to cope with this tragedy.” 

The 25-year-old Murdock was not picked in the NFL entry draft and he never played a game with the Titans, having missed the entire season with an Achilles injury.

The team said he did not report to this year’s training camp because of personal reasons.