Jets wide receiver Corey Davis makes surprise retirement announcement: ‘Best path for me’
After six seasons in the NFL, a key Jets veteran on offense has walked away from the game.
Wide receiver Corey Davis announced his retirement via an Instagram post on Wednesday afternoon.
“For some time now, I’ve been contemplating stepping away from the sports of football,” Davis wrote in his post. “This decision has not been easy. Although I am a deep person, I am a man of a few words. I’ve been searching my heart for what to do and I feel that stepping away from the game is the best path for me at this time.
“I have more blessings than I could have ever imagined — I have an amazing family, a beautiful wife and two healthy children that I look forward to spending more time with.
“I am truly grateful for all the opportunities I have had and will continue to have on my journey. Thank you to my family and friends and the Jets organization for supporting me through this process.”
During the last week, Davis was on personal leave and hasn’t practiced since Aug. 15. When asked about Davis’ status for Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, Jets coach Robert Saleh said Davis could take “however long he needs.”
“It was a pleasure to coach a player like Corey Davis,” Saleh said in a team statement after Wednesday’s practice. “He is a true competitor on the field and was a tremendously positive influence in the locker room.
“We are grateful to Corey for all the hard work and dedication he put into this team, and we wish him all the best in the future.”
Davis broke into the league as the No. 5 overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. The former Western Michigan star spent four seasons in Tennessee before signing a three-year, $37.5 million contract with the Jets in 2021.
Davis played two seasons with the Jets, registering 66 catches for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns in 22 games (19 starts). Gang Green had signed Davis hoping he would eventually become their top receiver, but it never came to fruition.
In 2021, Davis missed eight games due to a series of injuries — before be ruled out for the rest of the season in early December with a core muscle injury that required surgery — and another five in 2022 with a knee injury. During the offseason, there was plenty of speculation that Davis could be cut or traded. Not only does Gang Green have Garrett Wilson as its top wideout, but the team signed Aaron Rodgers pals Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, along with Mecole Hardman, to provide more depth to the receiver corps.
Davis was scheduled to make $10.5 million in 2023 with zero guaranteed money remaining on his contract. However, the Jets have remained committed to Davis, as Saleh even said he would “be on the team” when asked by reporters.
In six seasons in the NFL, Davis caught 273 receptions for 3,879 yards and 17 touchdowns.
“Corey Davis was a true professional on and off the field,” Jets general manager Joe Douglas said in a statement. “He was a great example to our young players of how to come to work every day and put in a complete and consistent day of work.
“We were fortunate to have him here. We wish him the best moving forward.”
