After Former Cornerback Vontae Davis Is Found Dead At 35, NFL Pays Tribute

Former NFL cornerback Vontae Davis was found dead in his home in Florida on Monday. According to the 911 caller, who was Davis’ personal assistant, he was found in the gym area of his house. Local police said no foul play is suggested, but the investigation of the cause is still ongoing.

“The NFL is heartbroken to hear about the passing of Vontae Davis. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones,” the NFL said in a statement.

The 35-year-old was a two-time Pro Bowler who played with the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills from 2009 to 2018. He most famously retired at halftime of a Bills game in Week 2 of the 2018 season, stating that he was done with football. Davis played 121 games, with 22 interceptions and 97 pass deflections, in his 10-year career.

“We are devastated to hear of Vontae Davis’s passing. He was a standout player in his six seasons with the Horseshoe, but he was an even better teammate who carried a smile and positive energy every day. He will be deeply missed, and we send our prayers to his family and loved ones,” the Colts organization said.

Davis played the majority of his career in Indianapolis from 2012 to 2017, where he won his two career Pro Bowl selections. In his six seasons with the Colts, Davis finished with 245 total tackles and 13 interceptions.

“Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis,” Colts owner Jim Irsay said in a post on X. “A great guy, teammate, player. My prayers to Vontae’s family.”

Both the Dolphins and Bills also released statements mourning Davis’s loss, giving their condolences to his family and friends. The news of Davis’ death shocked the football world, and with a growing concern of CTE and football-related brain injuries issues like this seem to only arise more and more.

Tiresias McCall was the dean of students at Davis’ high school and co-wrote a book about his childhood called The Middle School Rules of Vontae Davis. The two reunited when Davis returned to his high school in 2018 to speak with students about growing up and his subsequent NFL career.

“He was an amazing, caring, passionate young man,” McCall said. “He spoke from his heart. He has a very infectious smile. He was full of energy, and the kids locked on to everything he said… He lived his time. He lived it to the fullest … and he blessed many, many people. He inspired many people,”

The cause of his death is still unknown, but Davis’ passing was a surprise to the entire NFL community. However, on and off the field, Davis made an impact that will not fade away anytime soon.