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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets extensive receiver Corey Davis, away from the workforce for greater than every week on an excused private depart, introduced Wednesday he is “stepping away” from soccer.

The 28-year-old Davis, a high-priced, free-agent addition in 2021, launched an announcement on his Instagram web page, saying he had been mulling the choice for “a while now.” He by no means used the phrase “retirement” and by no means gave a selected cause for strolling away.

Davis, who skipped the voluntary portion of the offseason program, was resulting from make a non-guaranteed $10.5 million within the ultimate yr of his contract. With the offseason additions of Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman and Randall Cobb, Davis’ position within the offense was unsure.

“For a while now, I have been considering stepping away from the game of soccer,” Davis stated. “This choice has not been straightforward. Though I’m a deep individual, I’m a person of few phrases. I have been looking out my coronary heart for what to do and I really feel that stepping away from the sport is one of the best path for me at the moment.

“I’ve extra blessings than I ever might’ve imagined. I’ve a tremendous household, an attractive spouse and two wholesome youngsters that I look ahead to spending extra time with. I’m really grateful for all of the alternatives that I’ve had and can proceed to have on my journey. Thanks to my household and buddy and the Jets group for supporting me via this course of.”

Davis advised teammates a number of weeks in the past, effectively earlier than coaching camp, that he was mulling this choice, a supply stated.

Earlier Wednesday, coach Robert Saleh was imprecise when requested about Davis’ standing, declining to say whether or not he’d be again earlier than the season opener. Saleh stated Davis could be excused for “nevertheless lengthy it takes.” The Jets launched statements from Saleh, basic supervisor Joe Douglas and proprietor Woody Johnson, all of whom thanked him for his professionalism.

“It was a pleasure to teach a participant like Corey Davis,” Saleh stated. “He’s a real competitor on the sector and was a tremendously optimistic affect in our locker room.”

Douglas known as Davis a “true skilled on and off the sector. He was a fantastic instance to our younger gamers of come to work day-after-day and put in an entire and constant day of labor.”

Largely resulting from accidents, Davis by no means lived as much as his contract with the Jets. In 2021, he signed a three-year, $37.5 million contract. He missed eight video games in 2021 resulting from a groin damage that finally required surgical procedure. In 2022, he missed 4 video games with a sprained knee.

In two seasons, he managed solely 66 receptions for 1,028 yards and 6 touchdowns.

The Tennessee Titans drafted Davis fifth general in 2017. He performed 4 years in Tennessee, producing his greatest numbers in 2020 — 65 catches, 984 yards and 5 touchdowns.