Tom Brady received the news that former New England Patriots wide receiver Donald “Reche” Caldwell was killed in Tampa, Florida, on Sunday morning.
The details of Caldwell's murder are not entirely known, though according to TMZ local police have determined it was a targeted homicide.
Tom Brady took to Instagram to commemorate his former teammate, posting a picture of the pair with the caption “All love RIP.”
Tom Brady shares a pair of photos on his Instagram story to memorialize Reche Caldwell, who was fatally shot in Tampa. pic.twitter.com/c7ai0FBJMM
— Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) June 7, 2020
Reche Caldwell was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft.
After four seasons in San Diego, Reche Caldwell came to New England in 2006. He promptly had the best season of his career. Caldwell posted career-high numbers in receptions (61), yards (760) and touchdowns (4).
Reche Caldwell signed with the Washington Redskins the following season. He was out of the league within the next year.
Reche Caldwell struggled to grab a foothold in life after football. He was arrested for drug possession in 2014 and subsequently sentenced to 27 months in federal prison.
This past January, Caldwell pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and was due for sentencing this month prior to his death.
Caldwell's brother, Andre, said back in 2016 he felt the league did Reche a disservice and “kicked him to the curb.”
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick also issued a statement on Caldwell's passing, as did former teammates such as Wes Welker, Benjamin Watson and Donte Stallworth.
Brady has been attempting to prepare for his first year as the quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though COVID-19 and social unrest following the murder of George Floyd have made sports feel inconsequential as of late.
The six-time Super Bowl champion also mourns the loss of Caldwell, a beloved former teammate.
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