CNN: Former Colts cornerback discovered dead at his residence in Florida

admin | April 1, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Vontae Davis, a former NFL cornerback who made two Pro Bowls with the Indianapolis Colts and famously retired at halftime of his final game, was discovered dead by police at his home in South Florida, according to officials.

According to the Davie Police Department, a house assistant contacted officers to Davis’ home in Southwest Ranches, where they discovered him dead. According to preliminary evidence, there was no foul play involved, and the investigation is ongoing, police said.

Davis, 35, played in 121 games over a 10-year career with the Miami Dolphins, Colts and Buffalo Bills, totaling 22 interceptions and 97 pass deflections.

He played college football at Illinois and was taken by the Dolphins with the 25th pick in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons in Miami before being dealt to the Indianapolis Colts for a second-round pick. The HBO show “Hard Knocks” was following the Dolphins at the time and filmed the contentious debate between then-general manager Jeff Ireland and Davis over the deal, providing insight into the league’s personal stakes.

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

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

Davis thrived in Indianapolis, and in 2014 he signed a four-year, $36 million contract extension with the organization. He was chosen to the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2015 after recording four interceptions each season, and he spent six seasons with the Colts in all.

In 2018, he signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Buffalo Bills, but he unexpectedly retired during the team’s second game. The choice astounded his colleagues and a league that traditionally favors a warrior mindset.

“I had more of an out-of-body, spiritual moment, and my intuition was telling me that football was no longer for me,” he told CNN at the time.

He stated that physical factors played a role in his decision to retire, noting the issue of players suffering from brain ailments such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

“All of that stuff goes into consideration,” that’s what he stated. “I no longer wanted to sacrifice my body where it didn’t benefit me moving forward.”

Davis, the brother of former NFL tight end Vernon Davis, also told CNN about their rough upbringing.

“I come from very humble beginnings,” Davis said. “My mother was addicted to drugs, my father an alcoholic. I grew up in some very traumatic situations. I witnessed my father being shot multiple times by his brother. And when you come out of situations like that, you’re just not considered a quitter.

“I don’t think I quit. I think I feel that, as I walk away from a game that no longer serves me mentally, physically, and emotionally. That’s what I would tell people who say I quit. Most people don’t know who I am as a person or what I’ve been through to achieve the success I have.”

The NFL and each of the three teams he played for offered their condolences on Monday.

“The NFL is heartbroken to hear about the passing of Vontae Davis. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones,” the NFL said.

“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,” the Dolphins said.

The Colts said: “We are devastated to hear of Vontae Davis’s passing. He was a standout player in his six seasons with the Horseshoe, but he was an even better teammate who carried a smile and positive energy every day. He will be deeply missed, and we send our prayers to his family and loved ones.”

“Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis,” Jim Irsay, who owns the Colts, said in a post on X. “A great guy, teammate, player. My prayers to Vontae’s family.”

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Vontae Davis,” the Bills said in a statement. “We are thinking of his friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time.”