NFL notes: Police: receiver’s death self inflicted

Hours after sending a gracious yet puzzling middle-of-the-night text message to a former college coach, police say Tennessee Titans receiver O.J. Murdock died in an apparent suicide.

Tampa, Fla., police spokeswoman Andrea Davis said officers found Murdock about 8:30 a.m. on Monday inside his car with what appeared to be self-inflicted gunshot wounds. The car was parked in front of Middleton High School, where Murdock made a name for himself as a dynamic receiver and state champion sprinter in track and field.

Al McCray, assistant head coach/receivers at Fort Hays State, said when he woke up at his Kansas home on Monday he found a message on his cell phone from the player, thanking him for everything he had done for Murdock and his family. The athlete concluded the text with an apology that baffled McCray, who said he had known the 25-year-old since Murdock was in middle school.

“I spoke to him a week ago, and he was so excited about getting ready to go (to training camp). He was real happy about being able to help his mother out,” McCray recalled. “You always like to hear kids who talk about that. It brings a smile to your face to hear a young man talk about ‘Hey, I’m glad I’m able to help my mother out.’ ”

Murdock, who signed with the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2011 and spent all of last season on injured reserve, was taken to Tampa General, where he died.

Around the league

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb bruised his right thigh late in Monday’s practice and left the field for treatment. The injury did not appear to be serious. … The Denver Broncos and the two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Ryan Clady, who will protect Peyton Manning’s blind side, ended talks on a contract extension until after the 2012 season. Clady will make $3.5 million this season. … Washington Redskins starting left guard Kory Lichtensteiger underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove loose particles from his right knee and is expected to be out until the Sept. 9 season opener. … Projected starting cornerback Terrell Thomas has re-injured his surgically repaired right knee and his status for the New York Giants’ season is uncertain. … Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie has finally arrived at training camp, although he has not practiced because of a strained muscle in his back.