LeAnne Novacek, wife of former Dallas Cowboys superstar tight end Jay Novacek died Monday at her mother’s home in Burleston, Texas, an apparent suicide. She was forty-five years old.

According to police, emergency personnel responded to a call at the Burleston home after a call to 911 reported a medical emergency. The cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head, said Tarrant County coroners.

Five time Pro Bowl player Jay Novacek spent six seasons with the Cowboys from 1990 to 1996 when the team delighted fans by winning three Superbowls in four years. Mr. Novacek, 47, retired in 1997 following a back injury. Mr. Novacek remained an active booster of the team and often signs autographs at Cowboys events. He’s a spokesperson for the West Texas Alltel Wireless “Yards 4 Youth Football” program.

The couple, who have one daughter, split time between Joshua, Texas and Brady, Nebraska where they owned and operated Upper 84, a working ranch and hunting operation. When in Texas, they active fundraisers for community charitable organizations, including the Children’s Advocacy Center of Johnson County.

Mr. Novacek confirmed his wife’s death to NBC Sports without mention of cause, but has made no other public comment.