Jets wide receiver Corey Davis steps away from football

New York Jets wide receiver Corey Davis announced he is stepping away from football to spend more time with family.

New York Jets wide receiver Corey Davis has made the decision to step away from football, as announced on his Instagram page. Davis, who was entering his third season with the Jets, began his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans after being selected as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2017 draft. Although he did not use the word "retirement," Davis expressed that his family played a significant role in his decision. He emphasized the blessings he has in his life, including his amazing family, beautiful wife, and two healthy children whom he looks forward to spending more time with.

Coach Robert Saleh revealed that Davis had been absent from training camp practices due to a personal matter. However, Saleh expressed hope that Davis would return to the team soon. Davis, on the other hand, admitted that he had been contemplating not playing for some time and had spent the past week determining his next step.

Saleh expressed his support for Davis and his family, stating that the team would always be there for him. The Jets will now move forward without Davis, who was projected to be part of a receiving corps for Aaron Rodgers. The team acknowledged Davis's contributions with a graphic on their official website, thanking him for his time with the Jets.

Davis was in the final year of his three-year, $37.5 million contract with the Jets, set to earn $10.5 million in base salary for the season. While there were speculations about Davis being cut for salary cap savings, Saleh consistently praised him for his leadership on and off the field. Davis's production with the Jets had been inconsistent, with notable plays but also injuries that limited him to 22 games in two seasons.

In 2020, Davis had a career-high 65 catches for the Titans, totaling 984 yards and five touchdowns. However, his reception numbers dropped to 66 over the past two seasons with the Jets. Davis has also spoken about the difficulty of moving on from the death of his older brother, Titus, who was a former NFL wide receiver. He mentioned that the grief was intensified after his own season-ending core muscle surgery in 2021.

Throughout his NFL career, Davis has recorded 273 catches for 3,879 yards and 17 touchdowns. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he has had and will continue to have on his journey, thanking his family, friends, and the Jets organization for their support.

In conclusion, Corey Davis has made the personal decision to step away from football, prioritizing his family and personal well-being. The Jets will move forward without him, acknowledging his contributions to the team. Davis's NFL career has had its ups and downs, marked by notable plays and injuries. He remains grateful for the opportunities he has had and looks forward to the future.