Former Patriots Receiver Shot, Killed: Reports

TAMPA, FL — Former New England Patriots receiver Donald "Reche" Caldwell was shot and killed in Tampa Saturday night, according to reports. He was 41.

Caldwell was "ambushed" by people trying to rob him. He was shot at least twice and hit in the leg and chest. He died in an ambulance, his mother said.

"He was a good person who smiled all of the time," Deborah Caldwell told TMZ, which first reported the story.

There are no reports of any arrests.

Caldwell was drafted in 2002 by the San Diego Chargers after a standout college career at the University of Florida.

In 2006 he signed with New England, where he had a career-best season. But despite catching 61 balls for 760 yards and four touchdowns — all career highs — he is best remembered for dropping key passes from Tom Brady in the Patriots' 2006 AFC Championship loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

Caldwell retired from the NFL in 2008.