The heartbreaking news of the shooting and death of former University of Florida and NFL wide receiver, Reche Caldwell, shocked many. Caldwell was fatally shot in Tampa on Saturday, allegedly as he was leaving his house to go on a date with his girlfriend.
Tampa police stated, “This does not appear to be a random act,” according to a report by TMZ. “However, it is very early in the investigation and detectives are working to develop leads in the case. Updates will be provided as they become available.”
Tom Brady and Reche Caldwell were teammates in 2006 on the Patriots, where Caldwell was a significant receiver for Brady. Brady took to Instagram, posting two photos on his story to honor his former teammate.
Brady’s caption read, “All love RIP.”
Deborah Caldwell, Reche Caldwell’s mother, shared with the Tampa Bay Times her belief that her son was deliberately targeted.
“He was set up,” Deborah Caldwell affirmed. “I’m going to follow it all the way to the end. … You get killed right here in your hometown? You made a statement here, and y’all just took it away from us?”
Caldwell’s girlfriend revealed to TMZ that the seven-year NFL veteran was surprised by a few individuals who emerged from bushes in an attempted robbery.
Wes Welker also expressed his grief over Caldwell’s demise on Twitter.
