(Getty)
The body of a missing NFL player has been found in a lake in Texas. The deceased man has been named as 37-year-old JaJuan Dawson, a former player with Cleveland, Houston and Indianapolis. The incident occurred on the night of July 12 while Dawson was boating with his family. Nobody else fell into the water.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Dawson Wasn’t Wearing a Life Jacket
First search boat arrives at E. Fork Park. Launch boats here; search Clear Lake Park. @NBCDFW http://t.co/DlpTFbOCF3 http://t.co/a9RZvjJYHE
Officials have said that Dawson was not wearing a lifejacket when he got in and that they do not believe that alcohol was a factor in the accident. The Dallas Morning News reports that Dawson got in the water at around 6:30 p.m. A search effort involving the Wylie Fire Department, Collin County Sheriff’s Department and state game wardens went on until 10 p.m. That rescue effort began again early on the morning of July 13. It was later that day, at around 11:30 p.m. that Dawson’s body was discovered by rescue teams, reports Fox Dallas/Fort-Worth. He was found around 400 yards away from where he went into the water.
2. Dawson Lives Close to Lake Lavon With His Wife & Daughters
Dawson pictured with his wife, Jamie. (Facebook)
The incident happened in Lake Lavon, which is located about 40 miles north east of Dallas. At the time he went missing, Dawson was living in Murphy, Texas, also northeast of Dallas, with his wife, Jamie, and their two daughters.
3. Dawson Dove Into the Water
CCSO divers use sonar to look for missing man at Lavon Lake who family says is JaJuan Dawson, former NFL player.@fox4 http://t.co/9bti3qL1Rr
The Dallas Morning News reports that there were three adults and three children on board the vessel when Dawson fell in. According to CBS Dallas/Fort Worth, Dawson dove into the water.
4. He Was a Key Part of Tulane University’s 12-0 Season in 1998
Dawson played as a wide receiver in the NFL between 2000 and 2003. He made 52 receptions, 664 yards and two touchdowns. Dawson was drafted by the Browns in 2000 and spent two seasons there. He said about being drafted “It was a chance to live a dream. I enjoyed every moment of it, and I tell people that if I could do it all over again — go back and play ball in college and the pros — I would. It was such a fun time.” After Cleveland, he moved to his hometown Texans in 2002, finally he spent he 2003 season at the Colts in Indianapolis. He played his college ball at Tulane University with Shaun King and Patrick Ramsey as his quarter backs. His time there included a perfect season in 1998.
5. Since Retiring from Football, Dawson Worked in the Medical Industry
(LinkedIn)
According to his LinkedIn page, since retiring from football, Dawson had been working as a sales representative for various medical supply companies. Most recently, he worked for Boston Scientific. Dawson began his career in the medical industry in 2005, a year after his retirement. The Lafourche Parish Daily Comet wrote a feature on Dawson in June 2013 noting that he was an honor student at Tulane and in high school.