After wrapping up the 2024 NFL draft the day prior, the Houston Texans announced on Sunday, April 28 that wide receiver Tank Dell suffered a “minor wound” in a shooting that injured 10 people just after midnight at a Sanford, Florida, bar.
The Texans made the announcement in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“We have been made aware that Tank Dell was a victim of a shooting in Sanford, Fla. last night. He sustained a minor wound but has been released from the hospital and he is in good spirits,” the team announced. “We are in contact with him and his family and will provide more updates when appropriate, but we ask that you please respect his privacy at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in the incident.”
Statement from the Houston Texans: pic.twitter.com/0ISsjlMHr0
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 28, 2024
The fact that Dell is out of the hospital is obviously good news. However, many fans will likely remain concerned for his health until a more detailed update is provided.
How the Florida Shooting Unfolded
Local news station WESH reported that according to witnesses and the Seminole County Sherriff’s Office, the incident happened at Cabana Live, a bar in Sanford, Florida. A post on the venue’s Facebook page stated that the shooting took place outside the bar during a private event and that venue staff are cooperating with the investigation.
Police have charged 16-year-old Christopher Bouie Jr. with possession of a firearm by a minor, use and display of a firearm during a felony, firing a weapon in public property and attempted homicide in the April 28 shooting, according to ClickOrlando.
Citing the arrest report, local media indicated that police say Bouie started shooting into the crowd after a fistfight broke out in which he was not involved. A security guard “was able to tackle the teen and disarm him ‘almost immediately,’” ClickOrlando reported.
Ten victims were transported to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, the outlet reported, noting that investigators said the gunshot wounds were “primarily to their lower extremities.”
According to WESH, the arrest report indicates “there were two Seminole County Deputies at the business when the shooting happened,” after first being called to the location to check on the large crowd. They took the accused shooter into custody, the outlet reported.
Dell Is Just 1 of the Many Expected Playmakers for a Potent Texans Offense
Dell and fellow Texans wide receiver Nico Collins posed a formidable threat to defenses with 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud throwing them the ball.
Through the first 12 weeks of the season the duo combined for 87 catches, 1,509 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, including a 41-yard score against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 11.
CJ STROUD THROWS A BOMB TO TANK DELL 🤯
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/89dODRfcED
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 19, 2023
Unfortunately, Dell’s promising rookie season came to a screeching halt in Week 13. Late in the first quarter of a 22-17 victory over the Denver Broncos, Dell suffered a fractured fibula that forced him out for the remainder of the season.
Hopes for a successful return to the field for Dell are high, though the Texans have enough offensive weapons that there should be no need for Dell to rush back.
In addition to Collins, who finished the 2023 season with 1,297 yards and 8 touchdowns, Houston acquired former Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs on April 3.
The addition of Diggs provides Stroud a trio of targets that would make most other quarterbacks jealous, while the Houston offense also includes Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon and tight end Dalton Schultz.
Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik should have a lot of fun putting his playmakers to use in 2024, and Texans fans are rightfully looking forward to a season that will likely see Houston put a lot of points on the board.
