Where are they now: Former Patriot Reche Caldwell tries out for the UFL

[JSn]

I thought this was interesting. Will be neat to see if any of these guys flash something in this league that they couldn't in the NFL.

ProFootballTalk.com - Several Former NFL Players Trying Out For UFL

With former NFL coach Dennis Green overseeing the workout, former Baltimore Ravens first-round pick Travis Taylor and former Arizona Cardinals first-round selection David Boston were a few of the players in attendance, UFL spokeswoman Rachel Gary told us in a telephone interview today.

Besides Taylor, other ex-NFL players on hand included: tight end Jermaine Wiggins, quarterback Quinn Gray, wide receiver Reche Caldwell and running back LaBrandon Toefield and wide receiver/defensive back Bobby Sippio.

 

[BradyFTW!]

I actually liked Jermaine Wiggins- he was good for what he was. Reche... not so much.

 

[blackglass3]

Good luck to him, and the UFL. More football to watch isn't a bad thing (unless it's called the XFL).

 

[farn]

Easy to rip Reche... but let's not forget that he was thrust into a #1 WR spot when he was actually a decent #3.

If I remember correctly, before dropping a sure TD, Reche (maybe the week earlier) caught a key bomb from Brady to score a huge TD to move on in the playoffs. I have to wonder : if the D had been able to stop Manning on a few more occasions in the 2nd half, or if Brady had been able to move the ball on his second last posession - would people be as harsh on Reche ? I have to think that if the Pats squeak by Indy, that they beat the Bears in the SB...

 

[RayClay]

I appreciate the effort Caldwell gave. I never could believe the crowd that thought he was head and shoulders better than Gaffney though.

 

[Rob0729]

I actually liked Jermaine Wiggins- he was good for what he was. Reche... not so much.

How was Wiggins good for what he was and Reche Caldwell was not so much? Seriously, what did Wiggins actually do on the Patriots? In the two years he played for the Pats (not back to back years mind you), he had 336 yards and 5 TDs. Reche Caldwell was brought in to be either the 2nd or more likely the #3 WR for the Pats and got 760 yards and 4 TDs in one year. Caldwell outperformed what the Pats brought him in for since he was supposed to be playing behind Branch and Chad Jackson and then asked to perform a roll he wasn't qualified for (the primary WR) and he did so admirably.

I still don't get all the hate for Caldwell. He was never supposed to be the #1 WR and a twist of fate made him that. Many people want to judge the guy as if the Pats went into the offseason to acquire him as their primary WR. If some horrible twist of fate happens this year and all Moss, Welker, and Gaffney go down for the season, I hope people aren't so harsh on Greg Lewis. Caldwell was never given the chance to play the role he was brought in for and he shouldn't be ripped apart for it.

 

[efin98]

Nice to see Jermaine Wiggins on the list of people trying out...Wiggins is a local who lived the dream with the Patriots, congrats to him for finding a way of getting back into pro football even if it isn't the NFL.

 

[jmt57]

I think for a lot of folks their memories of players are unfortunately based on one play rather than their career with the team.

Wiggins is remembered for catching a pass on the final drive of Super Bowl 36.

Caldwell is remembered for his drop against the Colts when he was wide open.

It's not a fair assessment, but that's the way most fans remember those two.

 

[Patjew]

I appreciate the effort Caldwell gave. I never could believe the crowd that thought he was head and shoulders better than Gaffney though.

I agree with both of those points 8000%.

 

[Patsfanin Philly]

I think for a lot of folks their memories of players are unfortunately based on one play rather than their career with the team.

Wiggins is remembered for catching a pass on the final drive of Super Bowl 36.
.

Wiggins caught ten passes in the Snow Bowl.......after having caught 14 all season.....

 

[Rob0729]

Wiggins caught ten passes in the Snow Bowl.......after having caught 14 all season.....

Yeah, Wiggins' legend was built on one game and one catch. He was barely a serviceable back up other than that. He was far, far more productive in Minnesota than he was in New England. Hence why the Pats chose not to resign him in 2002 eventhough Wiggins had a strong desire to stay in New England. If it wasn't for his performance in the playoffs vs. Jacksonville, the guy would be a forgotten footnote in the Patriots Super Bowl run of 2001 where he had 14 catches for 133 yards and 4 TDs.

 

[glm]

How was Wiggins good for what he was and Reche Caldwell was not so much? Seriously, what did Wiggins actually do on the Patriots? In the two years he played for the Pats (not back to back years mind you), he had 336 yards and 5 TDs. Reche Caldwell was brought in to be either the 2nd or more likely the #3 WR for the Pats and got 760 yards and 4 TDs in one year. Caldwell outperformed what the Pats brought him in for since he was supposed to be playing behind Branch and Chad Jackson and then asked to perform a roll he wasn't qualified for (the primary WR) and he did so admirably.

I still don't get all the hate for Caldwell. He was never supposed to be the #1 WR and a twist of fate made him that. Many people want to judge the guy as if the Pats went into the offseason to acquire him as their primary WR. If some horrible twist of fate happens this year and all Moss, Welker, and Gaffney go down for the season, I hope people aren't so harsh on Greg Lewis. Caldwell was never given the chance to play the role he was brought in for and he shouldn't be ripped apart for it.

*Galloway . . .

 

[Rob0729]

*Galloway . . .

Sorry, my mind slipped a bit because it is late. My bad.

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

Say what you want about Caldwell but if it weren't for his clutch catch against the Chargers in the '06 playoffs, the game between Indy and New England doesn't exist.

 

[Hardboiled]

Say what you want about Caldwell but if it weren't for his clutch catch against the Chargers in the '06 playoffs, the game between Indy and New England doesn't exist.

I've been trying to make that game not exist.

 

[jmt57]

Say what you want about Caldwell but if it weren't for his clutch catch against the Chargers in the '06 playoffs, the game between Indy and New England doesn't exist.

As much as he may be despised by many Pats fans, I wonder if the Pats would have even made the playoffs in '06 without Caldwell.

 

[RayClay]

As much as he may be despised by many Pats fans, I wonder if the Pats would have even made the playoffs in '06 without Caldwell.

Don't know why anyone would despise him. He came through when we had absolutely no one else. I just think Gaffney is a better receiver.

Do people really despise him? That's stupid. Everyone drops an easy one sometimes, no exceptions.

 

[ALP]

Don't know why anyone would despise him. He came through when we had absolutely no one else. I just think Gaffney is a better receiver.

Do people really despise him? That's stupid. Everyone drops an easy one sometimes, no exceptions.

even welker?

 

[RayClay]

even welker?

Well, it's a bit easier when you're catching 5 yard passes all day, but yes, even Welker. I can remember a couple key drops right now.

How about when Brady was almost perfect against the Jaguars in '07?

 

[Patjew]

Well, it's a bit easier when you're catching 5 yard passes all day, but yes, even Welker. I can remember a couple key drops right now.

How about when Brady was almost perfect against the Jaguars in '07?

I'm sorry, but patsfans.com rules dictate that we can only mention Watson's drop from that game. Welker's has been erased from our collective memories.