Former NFL Player Vontae Davis Dead at Age 35
Vontae Davis Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images
Former NFL player Vontae Davis, who is the brother of Vernon Davis, passed away at the age of 35.
WSVN reported on Monday, April 1, that police and the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to Vontae's home in Southwest Ranches, Florida. The home is owned by his grandmother. According to police, a male was found deceased at the residence, and they confirmed that no foul play was involved.
Vontae was drafted by the Dolphins in 2009 as a cornerback. He later played for the Colts and Bills before retiring in 2018. Vontae is survived by his brother Vernon, who is a tight end and won the Super Bowl with the Broncos in 2015, his brother Michael Davis, and his wife Megan Harpe.
The news of Vontae's passing was confirmed by his childhood friend, Bobby Maze.
"My heart is heavy as I say goodbye to my childhood friend and brother, Vontae Davis. There are no words to express the depth of my emotions right now," Maze expressed on Facebook, as reported by The Daily Mail. "You were truly unique and radiated with vitality. Life will never be as bright without you. I miss our FaceTime calls and wish we could have just one more conversation."
Chester Frazier, who coached Davis at the University of Illinois, also paid tribute to the beloved athlete.
Former NFL Player Vontae Davis Dead at Age 35
Vontae Davis Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Playboy
Today is a sad day as we mourn the loss of a great person. Vontae Davis, may you rest in peace. I have nothing but fond memories of him from our school days.
Vontae dedicated five seasons to playing for the Colts. Unfortunately, he faced a groin injury in 2017 which led to his release from the team. Despite this setback, he remained optimistic and signed a one-season deal with the Bills, eager to make a comeback on the field.
In 2018, Vontae spoke about the process of recovering from a significant groin tear. He emphasized the importance of time and consistent effort in rehabilitation. He mentioned the need to practice before being able to play in a game.
After playing only one game with the team, Vontae removed himself from the middle of the game and decided to retire. He then released a statement regarding his abrupt exit.
“This isn’t how I pictured retiring from the NFL. But today on the field, reality hit me and hard,” he said at the time. “I shouldn’t be out there anymore.”
Editor's P/S:
The untimely passing of Vontae Davis, a former NFL cornerback, has sent shockwaves through the sports community and beyond. At the mere age of 35, Davis's life was cut short, leaving a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and countless fans who admired his exceptional talent on the field. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, but authorities have ruled out foul play.
Davis's football career spanned nearly a decade, during which he made significant contributions to several teams. His athleticism and determination allowed him to excel as a cornerback, showcasing his ability to intercept passes and disrupt opposing offenses. Despite facing adversity in the form of a groin injury, Davis remained resilient and worked tirelessly to regain his former glory. However, his retirement in 2018 marked a bittersweet end to his playing days, as he realized that his body could no longer withstand the rigors of the game. Davis's legacy will undoubtedly live on, not only through his impressive statistics but also through the memories of those who knew him as a dedicated athlete and a compassionate individual.