Donald Caldwell killed in Florida
Former NFL wide receiver Donald “Reche” Caldwell was tragically killed on Saturday night in Tampa, Florida, according to a report from TMZ. The outlet learned that Caldwell was the victim in a homicide on Saturday evening as confirmed by his mother.
Caldwell was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played with the Chargers until the end of the 2005 season, when the club opted to not re-sign him. He played with the New England Patriots in 2006, where he had over 60 catches and 700 yards for the season. Caldwell would eventually be released four days prior to the 2007 season commencing. He spent the season playing for the Washington Redskins before signing a one-year contract with the St. Louis Rams for the 2009 season. He was released prior to the season starting.
Along with the six seasons Caldwell spent in the NFL, he also had an illustrious NCAA career with the Florida Gators. The receiver helped lead the school to an SEC Championship in 2000.
On Sunday, a plethora of former players and coaches sent their messages of condolences to the family and ensured to honour Caldwell.
“I am saddened to hear the news about Reche. He is remembered for his solid contributions to our team. My thoughts and prayers are with Reche’s family,” Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. Former Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady also posted two stories on Instagram to help remember Caldwell.
Former Chargers’ teammates also made sure to send their condolences to Caldwell’s family. “Reche’s smile and attitude were contagious! My thoughts and prayers go out to Bubba Caldwell and his family!” said Wes Walker who spent time in both San Diego and New England with the former wide receiver.
While former teammates and coaches had nothing but positive things to say about Caldwell during their time with him in the NFL, his brother Andre Caldwell who is also a former NFL wide receiver had told ESPN that he believes Reche was always haunted by his two dropped passes in the AFC Championship game during the 2006 season. The Patriots ended up losing the game to the Indianapolis Colts and Caldwell never played another game for the organization.
“The way the game kicked him to the curb like an unwanted stepchild hurt him mentally and haunted him,” Andre Caldwell said.
Unfortunately, Reche Caldwell found himself in trouble with the law following his NFL career. He was arrested for drug possession and intent to sell in 2014 and was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison and three years’ probation. In January 2020, he pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and filed nearly $4 million in false insurance claims over a period of 18 months. He was set to be sentenced later this month.
Despite his legal issues, friends and family members have nothing but fond memories of Caldwell to share. The outpouring of emotion on Sunday was an indication of just how much he will be missed both within and outside of the NFL community.
