Former NFL cornerback Vontae Davis discovered deceased at his residence in Florida

Vontae Davis, the former NFL cornerback who achieved two Pro Bowl appearances with the Indianapolis Colts and famously retired during halftime of his last game, was discovered deceased at his residence in South Florida by authorities.

Police responded to a call from a house assistant at the residence in Southwest Ranches and confirmed Davis' passing, as stated by the Davie Police Department. Initial details indicate that foul play is not suspected, and the investigation is ongoing, according to police.

Davis, who is 35 years old, had a 10-year career playing professional football for the Miami Dolphins, Colts, and Buffalo Bills. Throughout his career, he played in a total of 121 games, making 22 interceptions and 97 pass deflections.

He played college football for Illinois before being drafted by the Dolphins with the 25th pick in the 1st round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Davis spent three seasons with Miami before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a 2nd round pick. The trade was documented on the HBO show "Hard Knocks," which followed the Dolphins team and captured the intense conversation between Davis and then-general manager Jeff Ireland. This provided viewers with a glimpse into the personal side of the league and the high stakes involved in player trades.

“The rumor is true: We just traded you,” Ireland said.

“I want to call my grandmother,” the shocked corner responded.

Davis performed exceptionally well in Indianapolis, leading to him signing a lucrative 4-year, $36 million contract extension in 2014. He showcased his skills by earning Pro Bowl selections in both 2014 and 2015, recording four interceptions each season. Overall, he spent six successful seasons playing for the Colts.

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (21) walks onto the field before an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 2, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Vontae Davis (21), a cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts, is seen walking onto the field before an NFL football game. The game is between the Indianapolis Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London. The date of the game is Sunday, October 2, 2016. The photo is credited to Matt Dunham from the Associated Press.

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Vontae Davis on his retirement: ‘I had more of an out-of-body, spiritual moment’

In 2018, he signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Buffalo Bills, but he surprised everyone by retiring at halftime of the team's second game. His sudden decision left his teammates and the league in disbelief, as football usually values a warrior mindset.

"I had a spiritual moment where I felt disconnected from my body, and my gut feeling was telling me that football was no longer my path," he shared with CNN during that time.

He mentioned that one reason for retiring was due to physical concerns, specifically mentioning the risks of brain injuries such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

He explained, "All of these factors played a role in my decision. I didn't want to continue putting my body at risk if it wasn't going to help me in the long run."

Davis, the brother of former NFL tight end Vernon Davis, shared with CNN about their challenging childhood. He mentioned coming from humble beginnings with a mother struggling with drug addiction and a father who battled alcoholism. Davis recalled growing up in traumatic circumstances, including witnessing his father being shot multiple times by his own brother. Despite these hardships, Davis emphasized that overcoming such adversity instilled in him a resilient mindset, where giving up was never an option.

I don’t consider it quitting. Instead, I see it as moving on from a game that no longer benefits my mental, physical, and emotional well-being. So, to those who say I quit, I would explain that most people don’t truly know me or understand the challenges I’ve faced to reach my level of success.

The NFL, the Buffalo Bills, and Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, were just a few of the many who expressed their sympathy and support.

The NFL expressed their condolences on the passing of Vontae Davis, stating, "Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones."

The Bills also shared their sadness at the news, saying, "We are saddened to learn of the passing of Vontae Davis. Our thoughts are with his friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time."

Irsay expressed his deep sadness over the passing of Vontae Davis, calling him a great guy, teammate, and player. He also sent his prayers to Vontae's family.

CNN has contacted the Dolphins for a comment on the situation.

CNN’s Jill Martin contributed to this report.

Editor's P/S:

The untimely passing of Vontae Davis, the former Pro Bowl cornerback, has sent shockwaves through the NFL community. His sudden departure at the age of 35 leaves a void in the hearts of many who witnessed his exceptional talent and admired his courageous spirit. The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation, but it is clear that Davis faced personal challenges throughout his life, including a difficult childhood and concerns about the long-term effects of football on his health.

Davis's decision to retire at halftime of his last game, despite being at the peak of his career, was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his well-being. He understood the risks associated with the sport and made a difficult choice to prioritize his mental and physical health. His decision sparked a conversation about the importance of self-care and the need for more support for athletes who face similar challenges. Davis's legacy extends beyond his accomplishments on the field. He will be remembered as a courageous individual who dared to prioritize his well-being and inspire others to do the same.