Car stuck in nuetral

[Jaxson]

Need Help! Have a 2001 Mazda Tribute LX. Parked my car and came back 30 minutes later after starting the and went to put in gear and hung up in "N". When this happen it was very loose and now it it stationed and can not move at all. I checked the cable end that connects to the rod on side of transmission. I was actually able to slip it off to put it in gear to drive it home. What could be the problem? Is it the shift cable or some type of lever? Any help would be so appreciated....Thanks