Exploring the Family Legacy of NFL Siblings Vernon Davis and Vontae Davis

Former NFL Player Vontae Davis Family Guide

Vontae Davis and Vernon Davis Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Tide

Vernon Davis and Vontae Davis are one of the few sets of siblings who have achieved success in the NFL.

Vernon, the older brother, was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in 2006. He played as a tight end for the team before being traded to the Denver Broncos in 2015. Vernon won Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos and later signed with the Washington Redskins. He decided to retire in 2019 after being chosen for two Pro Bowl games.

Vontae was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2009, and later played for the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills before retiring from the NFL in 2018. He achieved two Pro Bowl selections during his career.

Despite being five years younger, Vontae and Vernon continued to support each other both on and off the field.

Watching my brother, @vernondavis85 being a father is like watching an artist perfect his masterpiece. His strength defines them, his love shapes them. An incredible father, and a phenomenal man. Salute to you, champ! #BestDadEver #familyfirst.

Less than a year later, news broke in April 2024 that Vontae died at age 35. WSVN reported at the time that police and the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office arrived at a residence in Southwest Ranches, Florida, where Vontae was found deceased and that no foul play was involved.

Keep scrolling for a guide to Vontae and Vernon’s family:

Vontae and Vernon Davis’ Mom

Former NFL Player Vontae Davis Family Guide

Vontae Davis Parents Courtesy of Vontae Davis/Instagram

Vernon had been disconnected from his mother, Jacqueline Davies, for a large part of his life due to her previous struggles with drug addiction.

In a 2021 interview with the Daily Mail, he shared, "Seeing my mom under the influence and wandering the streets was really humiliating for me when I was younger. As I grew older, those memories stuck with me, and I had to figure out how to deal with all the anger, hurt, and shame that I carried inside."

Vernon had the chance to make amends with his mother just before she passed away from COVID. He remembered the difficult decision of removing his mom from life support after she became brain dead from a cardiac arrest caused by the virus.

He shared, "I witnessed my mother's final moments. It was the hardest experience I have ever gone through." Vernon mentioned that he reconnected with his mother five years prior to her death. "I did what any son would do for his mother, I was there for her in her final moments. Opportunities will arise, just have patience."

Vernon Davis

Former NFL Player Vontae Davis Family Guide

Vernon Davis and Vontae Davis Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images

Vernon’s NFL career expanded 13 years, and 1 Super Bowl win.

Vernon has been busy off the field. He opened an art gallery in San Jose, California and also owns a chain of Jamba Juice franchises. In 2020, he hosted a reunion for The Challenge: Total Madness before joining the cast of the 29th season of Dancing With the Stars.

After his time on reality TV, Vernon took on new ventures. He was a judge on season 1 of Domino Masters and has starred in movies like The Ritual Killer and Plan B.

Vontae Davis

In 2016, accusations surfaced that Vernon was cheating with a younger woman, as claimed by Horne in a now-deleted Instagram post. Despite the scandal, neither of them publicly addressed the allegations or clarified the state of their relationship in the years that followed.

Former NFL Player Vontae Davis Family Guide

Vontae Davis Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

Michael Davis

After retiring from football, Vontae Davis transitioned into the role of CEO at a holistic wellness spa. Additionally, he authored a children's book called The Middle School Rules of Vontae Davis, which was published just before his passing.

Their youngest brother, Michael Davis, gained attention in 2012 for being accused of first-degree murder. At the age of 19, Michael was accused of using a hammer to kill 66-year-old Gary Dederichs. He was also suspected of being involved in three similar attacks, but was not charged for those incidents.

Michael faced two charges of assault with intent to kill while armed. The judge ruled him incompetent to stand trial, leading to his treatment at a psychiatric hospital to restore his competency.

Megan Harpe

Former NFL Player Vontae Davis Family Guide

Vontae Davis and Megan Harpe tied the knot in 2015 after dating for several years. Throughout their relationship, Vontae mostly kept Megan away from the public eye, and she never made any appearances on his social media or public platforms until his passing.

Their Grandmother

Former NFL Player Vontae Davis Family Guide

Vontae Davis Grandmother Courtesy of Vontae Davis/Instagram

According to Vernon, their grandmother raised them due to their mother’s addiction and their father being largely absent.

My grandmother took care of me and my six siblings while we lived in a three-bedroom house in Washington, DC. Unfortunately, my mom struggled with drug addiction and my dad was absent," he shared with the Daily Mail. "Neither of them ever attended any of my football games when I was young."

Over the years, Vontae often posted pictures of his grandmother on social media. Tragically, the Florida police reported that Vontae was found deceased in his grandmother's residence. Although the cause of death was not disclosed, authorities confirmed that foul play was not suspected.

Editor's P/S:

The tragic loss of Vontae Davis at the young age of 35 is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones. As siblings, Vernon and Vontae Davis achieved remarkable success in the NFL, but their bond extended far beyond the gridiron. Vontae's unwavering support for Vernon, even during times of adversity, exemplifies the unbreakable bond between family.

Vernon's journey has been marked by both triumph and adversity. Despite the challenges of his mother's addiction and his father's absence, he found solace and support from his grandmother. His resilience and determination to overcome obstacles are an inspiration. Vontae's untimely passing leaves a void in the Davis family, but his legacy as a devoted brother, husband, and father will forever be remembered., even in the face of adversity.