Steve Spurrier, Rex Grossman offer condolences for Reche Caldwell, dead at 41
Reche Caldwell’s Florida football coach and teammates pay tribute.
Former Florida Gators and NFL receiver Reche Caldwell was shot and killed outside his Tampa home over the weekend. TMZ reported the murder of the 41-year-old was not a random act.
Reportedly, Caldwell was about to take his girlfriend out on a date when he went back inside his residence to grab a jacket when he was ambushed by men hiding in bushes who tried to rob him. Caldwell was shot in the leg and chest and was pronounced dead after he was transported to a nearby hospital.
As news of Caldwell’s death circulated on Sunday, Caldwell’s former teammates at Florida and in the NFL where he played six seasons with the Chargers, Redskins and Patriots poured out on Twitter.
Caldwell was a second round pick of the Chargers after a standout career with the Florida Gators where he had 148 receptions for 2,088 yards and 18 touchdowns over his three years in Gainesville.
The Florida football account tweeted their condolences and kept him in their thoughts and prayers.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of former Gator WR Reche Caldwell.
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) June 7, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. pic.twitter.com/J86KUj7yEw
Caldwell was one of the top targets of Florida quarterback Rex Grossman who said he was one of his favorite teammates and will forever be remembered for his talent, humor and success.
RIP Reche. You were one of my favorite teammates of all time. I will always remember our time at Florida for your unreal talent, infectious humor, and our shared success as a team. You will be missed by all your Gator family.
— Rex Grossman (@RexDGrossman) June 7, 2020
Caldwell’s college coach Steve Spurrier remembered his game in the 2000 SEC Championship Game when he had three catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns.
We are all saddened by the death of Reche Caldwell. He was one of the best WR’s in school history and was very instrumental in winning the 2000 SEC Championship. We will always remember him and RIP Reche! -Coach S.S.
— Coach Steve Spurrier (@SteveSpurrierUF) June 8, 2020
Caldwell’s NFL teammates, including Asante Samuel, Chad Johnson, Donte Stallworth, Benjamin Watson and Tom Brady all took time to pay remembrance to their slain teammate.
I’m going to miss all the funny conversations bra... we kept it going. For some reason with both call each other “Easy Cheese”. Sad day for ya boy #ripeasy pic.twitter.com/HPLi2PpzFq
— Asante Samuel (@pick_six22) June 7, 2020
R.I.P Reche Caldwell 👼🏽 pic.twitter.com/thcrVu8HC4
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) June 7, 2020
I played against Reche Caldwell in college, we were both c/o 2002, and spent time together on the 2007 Patriots. so many stories, but one thing you knew about Shady was he always smiling. here’s a 2002 rookie card we shared. RIP, good brother. 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/HXUdoZdRXX
— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) June 7, 2020
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
Tom Brady on Instagram a few minutes ago on the terrible news about Reche Caldwell. pic.twitter.com/TyEEMuGhbq
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) June 7, 2020
Caldwell’s former NFL teams all shared their condolences on social media.
Statement from Bill Belichick regarding Reche Caldwell. pic.twitter.com/p0qJrO9kTF
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 7, 2020
We are terribly saddened to hear of the passing of former Redskins WR Reche Caldwell.
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 7, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Caldwell family along with all of Reche’s friends and teammates. pic.twitter.com/0uvTObcNRh
We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of former Charger Reche Caldwell.
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) June 7, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Reche’s family, friends and teammates during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/vsoj0zeeWP
Caldwell had 152 receptions for 1,851 yards and 11 touchdowns in his six-year career. His finest season came in 2006 with the Patriots when he had 61 receptions for 750 yards and four touchdowns, all career-high numbers.
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