Rattlers’ McDowdell dies of gun wound
Football player found in a Phoenix driveway
A player on the Arizona Rattlers football team died Friday morning after being found with a gunshot wound in the driveway of a Phoenix apartment complex, police confirmed.
Police found 25-year-old Lance McDowdell about 1:41 p.m. at the complex near 44th Street and Thomas Road, according to Sgt. Tommy Thompson, a spokesman for Phoenix Police Department.
McDowdell was taken to a hospital where he later died.
The Rattlers confirmed the death of McDowdell in a statement.
“Lance represented the Rattlers organization with pride and dedication, and we send our condolences to his family during this time,” according to the Rattlers’ statement.
Just this week, McDowdell was named to the The Journal News (New York) All-Decade Team.
He was the anchor of the Rattlers’ defense last season at nose guard. In 13 games, he had 32 tackles, a forced fumble and three sacks, helping the Rattlers reach the Indoor Football League championship game.
McDowdell came to the Rattlers late in the 2018 season, and became a fixture in the middle of the defensive front for coach Kevin Guy. Last season was his first full season.
McDowdell made an impact wherever he laced up his cleats, both on and off the turf. Many fondly called him a “big teddy bear” in social media posts mourning his death.
“Never could imagine something like this happening to Lance Mcdowdell,” Jason Allen, a former teammate, said in a Facebook post. “I’m hurting for my brother and praying for the family in [New York] to have peace that overcomes all understanding.”