A 25-year-old fan died after tumbling about 60 feet from a fifth-floor escalator at Reliant Stadium during a preseason Houston Texans game, officials said Friday.
The man fell to the ground floor during Thursday night's game against the Minnesota Vikings, and frantic witnesses called police to report where his body had landed, police spokesman John Cannon said.
The fall appeared to be an accident, police said. The fan's name was not released because police were working to notify his family.
Backup quarterbacks were prominent among players cut as teams whittled their rosters to the 53-man maximum.
Nine-year veteran Seneca Wallace was beaten out by Colt McCoy in Cleveland, Mike Kafka fell to rookie Nick Foles and journeyman Trent Edwards in Philadelphia, Brian Hoyer got axed in New England, Josh McCown was released by Chicago and 12th-year pro Sage Rosenfels didn't make the cut in Minnesota.
Other veterans released as team's prepare for the regular season included 2005 Super Bowl MVP receiver
Deion Branch and center Dan Koppen in New England; defensive backs Joselio Hanson and O.J. Atogwe in Philadelphia; Pittsburgh offensive lineman Trai Essex and punter Jeremy Kapinos, who were waived injured; Buffalo DT Dwan Edwards; New York Giants running back D.J. Ware, who won two Super Bowls with the team; and 10th-year cornerback Drayton Florence with Denver.
Other notable cuts included:
Running back Tim Hightower
of Washington. The Redskins also let go safety Tanard Jackson, who was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy.Cornerback Alphonso Smith and punter Ryan Donahue of the Detroit Lions.
Former Pro Bowl punter Mat McBriar of the Eagles.
Veteran defensive ends Dave Ball (UCLA) and Leger Douzable were placed on IR by the Tennessee Titans.
Former first-round draft pick Vernon Gholston of the St. Louis Rams.
Outside linebacker Clark Haggans, a 12-year NFL veteran, by the Arizona Cardinals.
Long snapper Justin Snow, who had played in 192 straight games for the Indianapolis Colts, the second-longest streak in franchise history behind Peyton Manning.
Fullback Rock Cartwright of the San Francisco 49ers.
The NFL and its on-field officials' union began negotiating again, hoping to end the lockout that resulted in replacement officials working the preseason.
The league locked out the NFL Referees Association in early June, then hired replacements, whose work in exhibition games has been heavily criticized.
Earlier this week, NFL executive Ray Anderson said the regular season would open with replacement officials and that the league was prepared to use them "as much ... as necessary" afterward.
Backup QBs are biggest names cut
League, officials' union talking again
Also ...
Arizona will go with John Skelton as starting quarterback over Kevin Kolb in its season opener Sept. 9 against Seattle, coach Ken Whisenhunt said. ... Carolina acquired safety Colin Jones from San Francisco in exchange for a future unconditional draft pick. ... Minnesota rookie safety Harrison Smith was fined $21,000 by the NFL for a hit on San Diego receiver Mike Willie on Aug. 24.
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