Vontae Davis, a former NFL cornerback, has tragically been found dead at the age of 35, according to multiple reports. WSVN reported that a male body was discovered Monday morning at a home owned by Davis’ grandmother in Southwest Ranches, Florida, roughly 30 miles outside of Miami. The body was later identified as Davis.
Law enforcement has indicated that no foul play is suspected, though an investigation is ongoing, according to TMZ.
Davis, the younger brother of Super Bowl champion Vernon Davis, was a prominent football player at the University of Illinois before being selected 25th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. Over the course of his 10-year career, Davis played for the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills. He earned two Pro Bowl selections, recording 396 tackles, 22 interceptions, and two sacks during his time in the league.
Davis gained national attention in 2018 when he made the unusual decision to retire at halftime during a Bills’ regular-season game. Reflecting on his decision, Davis said at the time: “This isn’t how I pictured retiring from the NFL, but reality hit me fast and hard. Mentally, I always expect myself to play at a high level. But physically, I know today that that isn’t possible.”
ontae Davis, a former NFL cornerback, has tragically been found dead at the age of 35, according to multiple reports. WSVN reported that a male body was discovered Monday morning at a home owned by Davis’ grandmother in Southwest Ranches, Florida, roughly 30 miles outside of Miami. The body was later identified as Davis.
Law enforcement has indicated that no foul play is suspected, though an investigation is ongoing, according to TMZ.
Davis, the younger brother of Super Bowl champion Vernon Davis, was a prominent football player at the University of Illinois before being selected 25th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. Over the course of his 10-year career, Davis played for the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills. He earned two Pro Bowl selections, recording 396 tackles, 22 interceptions, and two sacks during his time in the league.
Davis gained national attention in 2018 when he made the unusual decision to retire at halftime during a Bills’ regular-season game. Reflecting on his decision, Davis said at the time: “This isn’t how I pictured retiring from the NFL, but reality hit me fast and hard. Mentally, I always expect myself to play at a high level. But physically, I know today that that isn’t possible.”
Following news of his passing, tributes began pouring in from the sports community. Illinois assistant basketball coach Chester Frazier tweeted, “We lost a great today!!! RIP TO @vontaedavis man, nothing but good memories of that dude in school!!” Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay also expressed his sorrow, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis. A great guy, teammate, player. My prayers to Vontae’s family.”
Davis’ childhood friend, Bobby Maze, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, mourning the loss: “Life will never be the same without my brother. Them FaceTime calls, etc. Damn, I wish we could have one more convo. You beat the odds, you made it. You did it your way.”
As the investigation continues, Davis’ passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him, both on and off the field.
Following news of his passing, tributes began pouring in from the sports community. Illinois assistant basketball coach Chester Frazier tweeted, “We lost a great today!!! RIP TO @vontaedavis man, nothing but good memories of that dude in school!!” Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay also expressed his sorrow, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis. A great guy, teammate, player. My prayers to Vontae’s family.”
Davis’ childhood friend, Bobby Maze, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, mourning the loss: “Life will never be the same without my brother. Them FaceTime calls, etc. Damn, I wish we could have one more convo. You beat the odds, you made it. You did it your way.”
As the investigation continues, Davis’ passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him, both on and off the field.
