Tulane University has confirmed the death of former wide receiver JaJuan Dawson.
"As we try to process this tragic news, our prayers and support go out to JaJuan's entire family," Tulane athletic director Rick Dickson said in a statement Tuesday. "The loss of JaJuan affects the lives of so many he had touched and he will be remembered for the remarkable man we came to know."
Dawson, 37, fell off a boat his family had rented Sunday night in a Dallas-area lake and was not wearing a life vest. Earlier Tuesday, the Collin County Sheriff's Office announced divers had discovered a body they believed to be Dawson's.
Dawson owned the Green Wave's record for receptions per game (5.7), and was second in school history in receptions (234), touchdown receptions (31) and 100-yard receiving games (14).
Dawson spent the 2000 and 2001 seasons with the Cleveland Browns and 2002 with the Houston Texans. He had 52 catches for 664 yards and two touchdowns in his NFL career.
The Texans released a statement acknowledging Dawson's death.
"The Houston Texans organization is saddened to have learned about the passing of JaJuan Dawson," the statement said. "Though JuJuan was only with the organization for one season, Dawson made an impact with everyone he interacted with. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dawson's wife, Jamie, and their two young daughters."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
