Reche Caldwell, a former NFL wide receiver, was shot and killed on Saturday at his home in Tampa, Florida. He was 41 years-old.

Caldwell’s mother Deborah told TMZ that he had been getting ready to take his girlfriend out when he went back inside to grab a jacket.

It was then that Caldwell and his girlfriend were “ambushed” by a “couple of people” who jumped out of the bushes in an attempt to rob them.

Caldwell ended up being shot in the leg and chest, and he died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.

“He was a good person who smiled all of the time,” Caldwell’s mother told TMZ. “He tried to help everyone he could. He was the type of guy who would take his shirt off his back and give it to you.”

“Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim of a gunshot wound in the front yard of a residence. Officers immediately began providing life-saving measures,” police said.

“Tampa Fire Rescue arrived and transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.”

“This does not appear to be a random act,” they added.

“However, it is very early in the investigation and detectives are working to develop leads in the case. Updates will be provided as they become available.”

Caldwell had been a second-round pick in the 2002 NFL Draft out of Florida, and he went on to play for the Chargers, Patriots, and Redskins over the next six years.

He then signed a one-year contract with the Rams in 2008, but he was released from this during the final preseason roster cuts.

Throughout his career, Caldwell had 152 receptions for 1,851 yards and 11 touchdowns, along with 14 carries for 108 yards rushing in 71 games.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Patriot Reche Caldwell,” the Patriots said in a statement.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

Wes Welker, who met Caldwell in 2004 and played with him on the Chargers and the Patriots, also paid tribute to him.

“Reche’s smile and attitude were contagious!” he tweeted, according to Daily Mail. “My thoughts and prayers go out to Bubba Caldwell and his family!”

This piece originally appeared in UpliftingToday.com and is used by permission.

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