Former NFL receiver Caldwell shot, killed

Reche Caldwell, the former University of Florida and NFL wide receiver, was fatally shot Saturday night in Tampa, his hometown.

Caldwell’s mother, Deborah, did not return phone messages left by the Associated Press on Sunday, but she confirmed her son’s death to the Tampa Bay Times.

She said police told her they believe her son was ambushed outside his home in a possible robbery attempt.

Caldwell, 41, was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round in 2002. He spent six seasons in the NFL, finishing with 152 catches for 1,851 yards and 11 touchdowns.

His best season came with New England in 2006. He was Tom Brady’s top wide receiver that season, with a teamhigh 760 yards on a Patriots team that reached the AFC title game.

Caldwell was awaiting sentencing this month after pleading guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. He also served time on a 2014 drug charge.

Ken Riley, the former Cincinnati Bengals defensive back who was head coach and athletic director at his alma mater, Florida A&M, died Sunday. He was 72. Riley played 15 seasons for the Bengals and had 65 career interceptions — fifth in NFL history — for 596 yards and five touchdowns, all franchise records. Before his NFL career, Riley was a fouryear starter at quarterback for the Rattlers.

John Zook, who teamed with Pro Football Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey to give the Atlanta Falcons a dynamic combination at defensive end in the early 1970s, died in his native Kansas after a long bout with cancer. He was 72.