Jets' Corey Davis reinvigorated after dealing with loss

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Corey Davis was dealing with something far more serious than a groin injury last season. The loss of his older brother weighed on his head and his heart. The time off from football allowed the Jets receiver to finally grieve.

Titus Davis, a former Jets practice squad player, passed away from a rare form of kidney cancer in November of 2020. Corey Davis said after undergoing season-ending core muscle surgery in December, he started to really process his brother’s death.

“Just going through it a little bit mentally,” Davis said Thursday. “The past couple of years have been pretty rough. I feel like I haven’t really had the time to dissect everything. I lost my brother, my homie, my best friend and I never really had to time to breathe after that happened.

“I felt like this offseason was the first time I really kind of had the time to think about it and actually put it to rest. It was tough. I got through it. I’m better because of it.”

When he signed his three-year, $37.5 million contract in 2021, Davis said the fact that his brother spent time with the Jets meant something to him. Corey said Titus was the reason he started playing football in the first place.

Davis said his wife, Bailey, was the person he turned to during this difficult time and “she was right there, patient.” Davis sounds as if he’s at peace as he enters his second season with the Jets.

“I feel like I grew a lot mentally, spiritually,” Davis said. “I just took a lot of steps forward. It was necessary. It was what I needed. Man, I feel good coming into this year. A lot more clarity, that’s for sure.”

Davis said he tried to play through the injury last year but it got to a point where he couldn’t lift his legs. He had to have it repaired.

Now Davis is all the way back from his surgery. He began running in February and is fully participating in the Jets’ OTAs. Davis had a couple of nice grabs on Thursday, including one in the back of the end zone from Zach Wilson during 7-on-7 red-zone drills.

The Jets signed Davis to be Wilson’s security blanket and he wanted to prove he was a No. 1 receiver. He had some good games before injuries began hampering him.

Davis caught 24 passes for 349 yards and four touchdowns in the first six games. He played in just three of the last 11 – and had 10 receptions for 143 yards and no scores.

“It was tough,” Davis said. “I was kind of going through it a little bit after the injury and a little bit before that. I wanted to come here and do a lot of things — lead and be the leading receiver. It’s unfortunate that I got injured and that happened. It’s a new year and I’m ready to attack it.”

Davis, Elijah Moore and Braxton Berrios return from last season’s receiving corps. The big new addition is rookie Garrett Wilson, who the Jets took with the 10th overall pick. Davis is really impressed with what he’s seen from Wilson.

“The dude is special. The dude is real special,” Davis said. “He’s a guy that’s always locked in and asking questions, trying to get better. I’ve seen really crazy glimpses of him, just going up and snatching the ball, running crazy routes. His separation is unbelievable. Man, I’m glad we got that dude.”

Davis is also glad the Jets have the other Wilson slinging the ball.

Zach Wilson traveled to Tennessee to spend time and work with Davis. Wilson also went to Arizona and Florida to work with receivers. Davis said it shows the “type of leader” Wilson is and “how bad he wants it.” Davis said it’s “only up from here” for Wilson and the offense.

“He’s going to take a huge leap his second year,” Davis said. “I expect Zach to be Zach, go out there and handle business. There’s going to be growing pains for all of us. We got to have each other’s back. I’m excited for his second year here. I’m excited to be here for my second year.”

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.