US football star Darrent Williams shot dead

DENVER: A US football player for the Denver Broncos was shot dead as he rode in a stretch Hummer limousine here, the team and police announced.

"Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams was shot and killed yesterday morning," the team said in a statement.

Police spokesman Sonny Jackson said that there was "some type of disagreement" at a nightclub and Williams, 24, left the party with his friends.

Shortly afterward, a white sports utility vehicle pulled alongside the limo. Shots were fired and Williams and two friends, a man and a woman, were hit, Jackson said.

Televised images showed Williams' white stretch limousine riddled with bullet holes.

"All three were taken to the hospital. Mr Williams was taken to Denver Health Medical Centre where he was pronounced dead a little after 2:30 this morning," Jackson told reporters.

Police are still looking for the SUV.

According to local media, the wounds of the other victims were not considered life threatening.

The death came the morning after Williams's team ended their season without going to the playoffs after losing to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.