Former New England Patriots wide receiver Reche Caldwell was shot and killed outside his Tampa, Florida home Saturday, according to reports by TMZ Sports and ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
In the TMZ story, Caldwell’s mother Deborah said Reche was getting ready to take his girlfriend out on a date when he went back inside to get his jacket. He then was ambushed by “a couple of people” who jumped out of the bushes attempting to rob him, according to his girlfriend.
Caldwell was shot in the leg and chest and died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.
He was 41 years old.
As of Sunday morning, Tampa Police told TMZ the murder “was not a random act” and remains under investigation.
A second round draft pick out of the University of Florida, Caldwell was taken in the second round (48th overall) by the San Diego Chargers, were he would play his first three professional seasons.
Caldwell signed a one-year deal with the Patriots prior to the 2006 season.
In his one season as a Patriot, Caldwell lead the team in every major wide receiver statistical category.
Caldwell hauled in a career high 61 receptions for 760 yards and four touchdowns to help the team make a surprise run to the AFC Championship.
In the AFC Divisional round against the top seeded Chargers, Caldwell’s 51 yard reception helped setup Stephen Gostkowski’s game winning field goal to seal the upset victory.
https://twitter.com/FTBeard1/status/1269692649239277568?s=20
After the 2006 season, Caldwell signed a one-year deal with the Washington Redskins, but never saw the success he had in New England again and would retire in 2008.
Always kept us laughing and light hearted. Always had the biggest smile. Always had the greatest stories. Sad to hear about the passing of my teammate Reche Caldwell. May the Lord comfort his family during this time.
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) June 7, 2020
https://twitter.com/DonteStallworth/status/1269672477569007616?s=20
So sad to hear this! Reche’s smile and attitude were contagious! My thoughts and prayers go out to Bubba Caldwell and his family! https://t.co/CXBUdKGFJk
— Wes Welker (@WesWelker) June 7, 2020
We are deeply saddened by the loss of former Gator WR Reche Caldwell.
Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. pic.twitter.com/J86KUj7yEw
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) June 7, 2020
We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Patriot Reche Caldwell.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/mxBtkTXTKD
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 7, 2020
We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of former Charger Reche Caldwell.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Reche’s family, friends and teammates during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/vsoj0zeeWP
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) June 7, 2020
We are terribly saddened to hear of the passing of former Redskins WR Reche Caldwell.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Caldwell family along with all of Reche’s friends and teammates. pic.twitter.com/0uvTObcNRh
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 7, 2020
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