Jets WR Corey Davis announces retirement from NFL
Jets wide receiver Corey Davis appears to have announced that he has retired from the NFL, writing he is "stepping away from the game," in a post on his Instagram.
"For some time now, I've been contemplating stepping away from the sport of football," Davis wrote. "This decision has not been easy. Although I am a deep person, I am a man of 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."
Head coach Robert Saleh called it "a pleasure to coach a player like Corey Davis."
"He is a true competitor on the field and was a tremendously positive influence in the locker room," Saleh said in a statement on the team site. "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."
Speaking to the media after the announcement was made, the head coach added, "My heart goes out to him, him and his family. And we'll always support him with any decision he makes and we're always here if he needs us."
When asked if Davis is done for good or might return after an extended time away, Saleh said the "door is always open if guys want to play football," but that decision would be Davis' to make.
The Jets were aware Davis was considering retirement and were supporting him and his family in any decision they made.
"Selfishly, obviously, we'd love for him to play," Saleh said, "he's an unbelievable man, he's an unbelievable player, but also. at the same time, he's also an unbelievable father and an unbelievable husband and friend and all that.
"Excited for him in this new journey, but at the same time, for him to know that he always has a family here."
Davis, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans, signed a three-year, $37.5 million deal with New York ahead of the 2021 season. In 22 games with New York, the former standout at Western Michigan had 1,028 yards on 66 receptions (15.6 yards per reception) with six touchdowns.
"Corey Davis was a true professional on and off the field. 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," general manager Joe Douglas said in a team release. "We were fortunate to have him here. We wish him the best moving forward."
In his post on Instagram, Davis said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family:
"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."
Jets owner Woody Johnson thanked Davis for his "professionalism and dedication these past two seasons."
"We wish you, Bailey and your two children the best. It was a true honor to have you on our team," Johnson's statement read.
