Corey Davis, a former top-five draft pick, surprised the football world Wednesday by announcing his retirement after six seasons.
The New York Jets wide receiver announced his decision on 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.
“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 WR Corey Davis announced on his IG page that he is stepping away from playing football. pic.twitter.com/ZjVa8kE83p
— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) August 23, 2023
Davis has been on personal leave and hasn’t practiced since Aug. 15.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh praised Davis and said “the door is always open” for a possible return.
“My heart goes out to him and his family,” Saleh said. “We’ll always support him with any decision he makes, and we’re always here if he needs us. The door is always open [for him to come back].”
Robert Saleh on Corey Davis retiring:
“My heart goes out to him & his family. We’ll always support him with any decision he makes, & we’re always here if he needs us. The door is always open [for him to come back].”#Jets
pic.twitter.com/xS5oIMuqLw— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) August 23, 2023
The Tennessee Titans drafted the former Western Michigan star No. 5 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. Despite some bright moments in his career, Davis never lived up to those high draft expectations. He caught 32 passes for 536 yards and two touchdowns last season.
Davis finishes his career with 273 catches for 3,879 yards and 17 touchdowns.
