Former NFL cornerback Vontae Davis has passed away, as confirmed by the Davie Police Department. He was 35 years old.
The cause of death has not been immediately disclosed. Authorities were summoned to Davis’ residence in Southwest Ranches, Florida, where they discovered the body of a deceased male.
Preliminary investigations by the police indicate no signs of foul play. The Broward County Medical Examiner’s office is conducting further inquiries, as reported by WSVN.
News of Davis’ passing initially surfaced on the social media account of Illinois men’s basketball assistant coach Chester Frazier. Davis, originally from Washington, D.C., played college football at Illinois before embarking on a nine-year career in the NFL.
Davis entered the NFL as the 25th overall pick in the 2009 draft by the Miami Dolphins and spent his initial three seasons with them. Subsequently, he became a key player for the Indianapolis Colts over the next six seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2015 and 2016.
“Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis,” expressed Colts owner Jim Irsay on social media. “A great guy, teammate, and player. My prayers to Vontae’s family.”
Injuries limited Davis to just five games in the following season. He joined the Buffalo Bills before the 2018 season and notably retired by departing the locker room during halftime of the team’s Week 1 game.
Davis remained resolute in his controversial decision, stating to ESPN, “It was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life… I went to the bench after that series and it just hit me. I don’t belong on that field anymore.”
During his career, Davis achieved four seasons with at least four interceptions, accumulating a total of 22 interceptions. His older brother, Vernon, enjoyed a successful tenure as a standout tight end, playing 14 seasons, primarily with the San Francisco 49ers.
