Former Pro Bowl DB Vontae Davis Dies At 35
Vontae Davis, selected in the first round by the Miami Dolphins, passes away at the age of 35.
(Photo : Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for New Era)
Authorities confirmed to NFL.com that Vontae Davis was discovered deceased at his grandmother's residence in South Florida. Police indicated that initial findings do not indicate any suspicious circumstances surrounding Davis' passing.
Davis, who had stints with the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills, was a two-time Pro Bowl selection.
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Colts owner Jim Irsay expressed his sympathies on social media following the news of Davis' death.
Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis. A great guy, teammate, player. My prayers to Vontae's family.🙏
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) April 1, 2024
The Miami Dolphins also offered their condolences following the news of Vontae Davis' passing.
We are heartbroken by the sudden passing of former Dolphins CB Vontae Davis and extend our deepest condolences to his family & loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/mB1kYUpZqQ
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) April 1, 2024
Davis' NFL journey commenced with the Dolphins, who drafted him 25th overall in 2009. Over 121 games, he amassed 395 tackles, 22 interceptions, and 97 passes defended.
(Photo : Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
However, what may stand out most about his career is its unconventional end. While playing for the Bills in 2018, he abruptly left a game against the Los Angeles Chargers and retired from the sport altogether.
In a 2019 interview with ESPN's Brendan Meyer, Davis reflected on this decision, describing it as "one of the best decisions I've made in my life, honestly." He explained that although he didn't experience physical discomfort, mentally, he felt disconnected from the game he had devoted over a decade to.
(Photo : Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
Looking back, Davis affirmed that retiring when he did was the right move for him, as his passion for football had waned.
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Before reaching the NFL, the Washington, D.C., native enjoyed a successful college career at Illinois. He earned two first-team All-Big Ten selections and played a key role in the Fighting Illini's Rose Bowl appearance in the 2007 season.
