Remembering the complicated legacy of former Patriot Reche Caldwell

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Troy Brown. Deion Branch. David Givens. Wes Welker. Julian Edelman. Rob Gronkowski. James White. And ... Reche Caldwell.

This is the club.

These are the only players who can say they led the Patriots in receptions for a single season with Tom Brady as the starting quarterback.

Every single one of these guys accomplished the feat more than once, with the exception of two: Givens and Caldwell. Givens played with the Patriots for four seasons, playing key roles in two Super Bowl wins before signing a five-year, $24 million contract with the Titans. Caldwell? His legacy with the Patriots is a bit more complicated.

Unfortunately, we are remembering Caldwell because of his tragic death Saturday in which the 41-year-old was gunned down outside his Tampa home. The news elicited a reaction from all corners of social media, from Patriots fans and former players alike.

So sad to hear this! Reche’s smile and attitude were contagious! My thoughts and prayers go out to Bubba Caldwell and his family! https://t.co/CXBUdKGFJk

— Wes Welker (@WesWelker) June 7, 2020

From the fandom point of view, the recollection of Caldwell was more prevalent than most any other one-year Patriot player, particularly one who didn't participate in the Super Bowls. There is a reality as to why this is so: He made a couple of key drops in the 2006 AFC Championship Game against the Colts.

There was the potential go-ahead touchdown toss from Brady in the third quarter that bounced off his hands in the back of the end zone. Then with scored tied in the fourth quarter and the Patriots at the Colts' 18-yard-line an uncovered Caldwell dropped another one that might have paved the way for another Patriots' Super Bowl appearance.

Welker would have his big Super Bowl drop, but he wouldn't be defined by it. The same couldn't be said for Caldwell.

"He heard all the jokes and criticisms," Caldwell's brother Andre told ESPN The Magazine. "And it broke his heart."

After that game, everything changed for Caldwell. He signed on with the Redskins for 2007 but would only play in eight games. The next year he found himself in the Rams' training camp but didn't make the team. 

The guy who had caught more balls from Brady than any other receiver in a year the Patriots were one win from going to the Super Bowl -- having also hauled in seven catches and a touchdown while recovering a key fumble in the AFC Division Round win over San Diego the week before Indy -- would make just 15 more catches after taking off the Patriots uniform for the last time.

In retrospect, the about-face is remarkable considering how good Caldwell was for much of that one year in New England.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Patriot Reche Caldwell.Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/mxBtkTXTKD

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 7, 2020

He was still just 27-years-old and had seemingly found his stride after four unremarkable seasons with the Chargers. He was being counted to help replace Brady's leading receiver from the year before Deion Branch, who had been traded to Seattle. Givens was also gone, making Brady's primary targets in 2006 Caldwell, Ben Watson, and Kevin Faulk. As for receivers beyond the former San Diego second-round pick? Doug Gabriel. Chad Jackson. Jabar Gaffney.

In 2006, Caldwell was targeted by Brady 102 times, which was 27 more than any other receiver.

But the one-year impression wasn't enough to keep Caldwell as part of the Patriots' foundation, with Bill Belichick overhauling Brady's weapons by trading for Randy Moss and Welker. 

The news of Caldwell's passing Sunday was sad and certainly made many immediately surface the singular memory of that game in Indy. But maybe it's also worthwhile to remember one of the best seasons by a one-and-done Patriot wide receiver in team history.