TAMPA, Fla. — Former Florida Gators standout and NFL wide receiver Reche Caldwell was shot and killed in Tampa Saturday night. He was 41.
His mother, Deborah Caldwell, confirmed the news to TMZ Sports on Sunday.
“He was a good person who smiled all of the time,” Caldwell’s mother told TMZ. “He tried to help everyone he could. He was the type of guy who would take his shirt of his back and give it to you.”
In a tweet, the Florida Gators said the organization was “deeply saddened by the loss of former Gator WR Reche Caldwell. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.”
The Tampa Police Department in a news release Sunday morning did not publically identify the person who was shot and killed. It said officers were sent just before 11 p.m. Saturday to the area of E. Hanna and N. Branch avenues and found a man in the front yard of a home.
Police began life-saving measures before Tampa Fire Rescue could transport him, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
"This does not appear to be a random act," police said in the release. "However, it is very early in the investigation and detectives are working to develop leads in the case."
Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay is offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the shooter. It can be contacted at 1-800-873-TIPS.
CBS Sports said Caldwell played for the University of Florida Gators for three seasons and won an SEC title in 2000 and the Orange Bowl in 2001 with the team. He was a second-round pick in the 2002 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers.
Caldwell played for the NFL for six seasons, playing his best year in 2006 with Tom Brady and the Patriots, according to CBS Sports.
Caldwell was Brady's top target in 2006 and helped the Patriots reach the AFC Championship game. He led New England with 61 catches, 760 yards and four touchdowns
Gator great Rex Grossman also shared his condolences, saying he remembers Caldwell " for his "unreal talent."
What other people are reading right now:
- Weather service rates Orlando tornado as an EF-1
- Former Florida Gator, NFL wide receiver Rechell shot, killed in Tampa
- Amid national unrest, family still seeking justice after father dies in TPD custody
- Minneapolis City Council announces intent to disband police department
- Invasive, toxic toads reemerge in South Florida
- Tropical Storm Cristobal makes landfall in Southeast Louisiana
- Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office responds to "8 Can't Wait" campaign
FREE 10 TAMPA BAY APP:
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter
