Jackson Free Press

Former Indianapolis Colts running back Zurlon Tipton and current wide receiver Donte Moncrief were more than just teammates. The two players were good friends who often spent time off the field bowling and playing pool together.

Both players joined the Colts before the 2014 season. The Colts drafted Moncrief in the third round with the 90th overall pick, and Tipton was an undrafted rookie free agent.

Moncrief was born in Raleigh, Miss., and was a star at Raleigh High School in football and track. He went on to play college football for the University of Mississippi and left after his junior season to play in the NFL.

Tipton was a Detroit native and played football at Central Michigan University. His best college-football season came during his junior year in 2012 when he rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and scored 19 touchdowns. Injuries limited his ability to play during his senior season.

The two players' lockers were close to each other in the Colts' locker room, which led to their friendship. Tipton also sat in front of Moncrief during team meetings.

Moncrief has appeared in 32 games for the Colts with 12 starts. During his second year, he doubled the production from his rookie performance. In two seasons, he has posted 96 catches for 1,177 yards and nine touchdowns.

Tipton played in 16 games for the Colts over two seasons and gained 38 career yards on 15 carries. He was released by Indianapolis on Dec. 21, 2015.

Moncrief was shocked to find out that his friend had died at the end of June from an accidental gunshot. Tipton was removing a duffle bag from his car at a dealership when one of the two guns in the bag discharged, hitting him in the stomach.

In a recent interview with ESPN, Moncrief discussed the death of his friend and plans to take care of Tipton's daughter, Zoe. In the interview, he credited his Mississippi upbringing for him thinking about Zoe, even while still grieving the loss of his friend.

Moncrief has pledged to support Zoe as he would for his own daughter, who was with him when he learned of Tipton's death. The former Rebel said it doesn't matter if it is clothes, money or anything else—he will be there to help her.

The 22-year-old wide receiver had spoken with Tipton just two days before the accident, and they made plans to get together at his place in Indianapolis when he returned from Mississippi.

Zoe will be with the Colts when they open their season against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Moncrief told ESPN that he still sees his friend every time he looks at Zoe or up at the sky.