There are people who quietly become a part of your life, so woven into your story that their absence feels impossible to process. For Devanne Villarreal, wife of NFL star Davante Adams, losing such a person is like hitting pause on a life that was always in motion. In her heartfelt tribute, she mourned a friend who wasn’t just behind the camera—he was always there, capturing moments and filling spaces with love and memories. His loss leaves a gap that nothing can replace.

That man was Carlos Montoya Gonzales, a Monterey County legend and a master of freezing time with a single click. Born on August 6, 1974, Carlos didn’t simply capture life—he truly lived it. From Villarreal’s high school milestones to her wedding day, from baby showers to birthday candles blown out in laughter. Carlos was always present, not just as a photographer, but as a fixture of love and loyalty. “Heartbroken to say goodbye to such an incredible person. Carlos was a constant presence in my life, always checking in and making sure we knew how much he loved us,” she posted on Instagram. And she wasn’t alone in that sentiment. To know Carlos was to feel seen, valued, and celebrated.

Before Carlos was the man with the camera, he was a man of the wild. His deep love for the outdoors led him to join the California Conservation Corps, where in 1995, he was selected for the prestigious Back Country Program, fulfilling his dream of becoming one with nature. Later, he took on the role of Correctional Officer at Soledad Correctional Training Facility (CTF), bringing the same dedication and heart to his service. However, retirement in 2013 didn’t mean slowing down for Carlos—it marked a new beginning.

Photography wasn’t just his passion; it was his calling. Through Los Photography and later Propix Media, he became the go-to visual storyteller for youth sports, high school championships, and professional leagues alike. His talent earned him opportunities with the NFL, MLB, NCAA, Sea Otter Classic, and USA BMX. And in 2022, his work was published in Rolling Stone Magazine. In 2023, another dream came true when his photograph graced the album cover for Shooter Jennings and Werewolves of Los Angeles Do Zevon.

However, beyond the accolades, Carlos was never about the spotlight—he was about the people. His children—Scout De’Marrco, Avery Joelle, and Chelsea Corona. They were his greatest masterpieces, his pride, his heart walking outside his body. His presence was electric, and his laughter contagious. He wasn’t just someone who showed up—he was someone who stayed. “Gone too soon, but his legacy lives on in the memories he gave us. Love you forever, Carlos,” Villarreal wrote, cherishing the moments he captured and the warmth he shared. Even as he battled ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), Carlos remained unshaken. The disease could take his body, but it couldn’t take his love, humor, or light.

Carlos met ALS with the same grit and passion that defined his life. Diagnosed two years ago after slurred speech signaled something was wrong, he faced each challenge with unwavering strength. Even as his body weakened, he continued doing what he loved—capturing joy, cheering for his Raiders, San Francisco Giants, and Florida State Seminoles, and pouring love into the people who meant the most to him. That love, that legacy? It lives on. Some people don’t simply fade away—they become part of every sunset, every laugh, every moment frozen in time. As his family beautifully put it:

“You live on.”

Davante Adams and his wife find themselves confronting a loss far more profound than any trade rumors or team decisions. But the news that he might be cut from the New York Jets came just after the tragic passing of one of his long-time friends, Carlos Montoya Gonzales. As he navigates the emotional toll of grief, the uncertainty of his future with the Jets only adds weight to a difficult time in his life.

Davante Adams faces uncertainty with the Jets amid personal loss

Recent reports suggest that wide receiver Davante Adams may be on the move again, potentially leaving the Jets. This development follows the anticipated departure of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, which could significantly impact the Jets’ receiving corps. Currently, Garrett Wilson stands as the team’s sole prominent wide receiver. To address this gap, the Jets are considering options such as Tim Patrick, who has faced injury challenges, and Joshua Palmer, known for his consistent yet unspectacular performance. The team is likely to explore affordable solutions to strengthen their receiving lineup, either through free agency or the draft.

Earlier in the season, the Jets acquired Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders. Reports indicate that the Jets offered a substantial package, including a conditional third-round pick. Which could have escalated to a second-round selection based on Adams’ performance or the Jets’ playoff advancement. However, the Raiders declined this offer, opting to retain Adams for the remainder of the season.

Adams now faces the potential of being cut or traded by the Jets, a decision that comes at a particularly difficult time.

Adams’ journey has been one of resilience, but now it seems he’s being tested in ways that extend beyond the field. As the offseason unfolds, his future with the Jets remains uncertain. Amid the loss of his friend and the potential for yet another team change, Adams’ ability to heal both personally and professionally will be his biggest challenge for now.