“I’ll leave if he’s not fired.” Due to their major miscommunication, a key player for the New York Jets has stated he will leave the team if his colleague is not dismissed.
Veteran wide receiver Corey Davis unexpectedly announced that he is “stepping away” from the NFL, which reduced the number of receivers in the crowded Jets receiver room by one.
The startling announcement was made on Wednesday on his Instagram page by 28-year-old Davis, who has been absent from the team for personal reasons in recent days.
“I’ve been thinking about giving up football for a while now. Without really using the word retirement, Davis stated on his Instagram account, “This decision has not been easy.” “I am a man of few words, but I am a deep person.
“After looking within myself for guidance, I believe that leaving the game is the right decision for me right now.”
In statements made public by the team, general manager Joe Douglas described Davis as “a true professional on and off the field” and “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.” Jets owner Woody Johnson expressed gratitude for Davis’ “professionalism and dedication these past two seasons.”
Corey Davis, 84, a wide receiver for the Jets, runs after a catch during training camp.
Corey Davis, 84, a wide receiver for the Jets, runs after a catch during training camp.
Kostroun Bill/New York Post
In the last year of a three-year, $37.5 million contract, Davis was expected to make $10.5 million, but the Jets probably would have asked him to forgo some salary in order to comply with salary cap regulations.
With that money now off their cap for the season, they will have roughly $19.5 million more to spend on other acquisitions.
Davis wrote, “I have more blessings than I could have ever imagined.” “I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wonderful wife, two healthy children, and an incredible family. I sincerely appreciate all of the chances I have had and will have in the future as I travel.
Normally, Jets coach Robert Saleh keeps his media appearances during training camp limited to the morning before practice, but he returned to the podium following Davis’s announcement.
“My thoughts are with him and his family. We’ll be there for him no matter what choices he makes. If he needs us, we’re always here,” Saleh remarked. “We tried to support him and his family in whatever decision they made, knowing that it existed. Naturally, we’d love for him to play, but selfishly.
“He is both an incredible man and a player. He is, however, also a fantastic husband, father, and friend. I’m happy for him to be embarking on this new journey, of course, but I also want him to know that he will always have family here.
If Davis wants to play football again, Saleh stated, “The door’s always open,” but “that’s probably for Corey to answer.”
As a weapon for rookie quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Jets have completely redesigned their receiving group around second-year standout Garrett Wilson. They have added veteran free agents Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman Jr., and Randall Cobb.
A spot on the roster could open up for two players as a result of Davis’ departure, joining Jason Brownlee, Xavier Gipson, Malik Taylor, and Irv Charles.
“Over the course of the next week and a half, there is a chance for someone else to step up,” Saleh stated. It provides an opportunity for someone who might have been on the outside looking in to push open the door.
Speaking with the media following practice at training camp, Corey Davis
At training camp, Corey Davis interacts with the media following practice.
Kostroun Bill/New York Post
“It goes without saying that we lose Corey, a fantastic leader, role model, and experienced presence. However, it also provides an opportunity for someone else.
During his two seasons with the Jets, Davis caught 66 passes for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns in 22 games.
Following the announcement, two of his teammates gave interviews to the media, in which they expressed their support for his choice.
Linebacker Quincy Williams expressed his support for him and his family, saying, “It’s kind of sad.” “Very nice guy. Excellent guy in the locker room both on and off the field.
“Life transcends football.” This is the game we play. This is what we do. But we’re not like this,” Cobb continued. “I hope the best for him. I will stand by his side.
