Jets' Mid-week Surprise: Veteran Receiver 'Stepping Away from the Game'

Former first-round draft talent opts for family time over more football

Corey Davis won't be a contributor to the 2023 New York Jets afterall.

The 28-year-old wide receiver announced that he is "stepping away from the game" through an Instagram post on Wednesday afternoon. Davis had been absent from the team's training camp practices since August 16 for "personal reasons."

Prior to Wednesday's open team practice in Florham Park, head coach Robert Saleh said Davis could stay on personal leave for "however long he needs."

After Davis made his announcement, Saleh returned to the podium and addressed reporters for the second time today.

"My heart goes out to him and his family. We'll always support him with any decision he makes and we're always here if he needs us," said Saleh.

Davis, who was a rumored cut candidate early in the offseason, reported to training camp on time and even held a media availability on July 23. 

"Saleh was just telling me not to worry and everything's going to work out for the better. I'm happy to be here, happy they kept me," said Davis after the team's fourth summer practice.

The former No. 5 overall draft pick was set to play on the third season of a three-year contract that he signed in 2021, but has opted to forego the opportunity.

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A post shared by Corey Davis (@coreydavis84)

Although Davis's decision came as a mid-week surprise to many, Saleh admits to being aware of the possibility.

"We were aware of it, and just trying to support him and his family in any decision that they decided to go with," said Saleh. "Selfishly, obviously, we'd love for him to play."

Davis averaged 16.8 yards per reception in 2022, hauling in 32 of 64 targets.

"Life is bigger than football. This is something that we do, but this is not who we are. I wish him well," said receiver Randall Cobb, who has a residence near Davis in Tennessee.

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