Matt Dunham/AP
Vontae Davis played 10 years in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts and two other teams.
CNN
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Vontae Davis, the former NFL cornerback who made two Pro Bowl appearances with the Indianapolis Colts and made a memorable retirement at halftime of his final game, was found dead by police Monday at his home in South Florida. authorities announced that it had been discovered.
According to the Davie Police Department, officers were called to the Southwest Ranch home by a house assistant and found Davis dead. Preliminary information suggests no criminal activity was involved and the investigation is active, police added.
The Broward County Coroner's Office is investigating the fatal crash.
Davis, 35, played in 121 games over a 10-year career with the Miami Dolphins, Colts and Buffalo Bills, recording 22 interceptions and 97 pass deflections.
He played college football at the University of Illinois and was selected by the Dolphins with the 25th pick in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played three seasons in Miami before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts for a second-round pick. The HBO show “Hard Knocks” followed the Dolphins team at the time, capturing tense trade conversations between then-general manager Jeff Ireland and Davis, and offering insight into the league's personal stakes. did.
“The rumors are true. We just traded you,” Ireland said.
“I want to call my grandma,” a shocked corner responded.
Davis excelled in Indianapolis and was signed to a four-year, $36 million contract in 2014 to remain with the team. He played a total of six seasons with the Colts, making the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2015 after recording four interceptions in each season.
In 2018, he signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Buffalo Bills, but abruptly retired at halftime of the team's second game. The decision shocked his teammates and a league that values the warrior spirit.
“I had a mental moment, like an out-of-body experience, and my intuition was telling me that soccer wasn't for me anymore,” he told CNN at the time.
He said part of his choice to retire was physical, citing issues with players dealing with brain injuries such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
“All those things are taken into account,” he said. “I no longer wanted to sacrifice my body to move forward.”
Davis, the younger brother of former NFL tight end Vernon Davis, also spoke to CNN about their difficult upbringing.
“I had a very humble beginning,” Davis said. “My mother was a drug addict and my father was an alcoholic. I grew up in some very traumatic circumstances. I witnessed my father get shot multiple times by my older brother. And when you come out of that situation, you're not just considered quitting.
“I don't think I quit. I think that's how you feel when you walk away from a game that no longer serves you mentally, physically, or emotionally. That's what I'd say to people who quit. Almost. People don't know who I am or what I've gone through to be successful.”
The NFL and each of the three teams he played for expressed their condolences on Monday.
“The NFL is heartbroken to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones,” the NFL said.
“We are saddened by the sudden passing of former Dolphins CB Vontae Davis and extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones at this difficult time.” dolphins said.
“We are shocked to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis,” the Colts said in a statement. “He was a standout player during his six seasons in the Horseshoe, and an even better teammate with a smile and positive energy every day. He will be greatly missed and our prayers go out to his family and loved ones.”
“I am extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis,” Colts owner Jim Irsay said in a statement. Post to X. “A great man, teammate and player. My prayers go out to Bonte's family.”
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Vontae Davis,” the Bills said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his friends, family and loved ones during this difficult time.”