Former NFL cornerback Vontae Davis was found dead on Monday. He was just 35.
Davis was discovered at his grandmother's home in Southwest Ranches, Florida. No foul play is suspected.
Davis is famous for his dramatic and abrupt retirement, which came at halftime during a 2018 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Davis, who was with the Buffalo Bills at the time, said he made his decision while on the field. He cited the toll football was taking on his body.
“All of that stuff goes into consideration,” he told CNN at the time. “I no longer wanted to sacrifice my body where it didn’t benefit me moving forward.”
He was picked 25th in the 2009 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins, where he remained for three seasons before getting traded to the Indianapolis Colts. He went to the Pro Bowl twice with the team. His career ended with the Bills in 2018.
"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."
Colts Owner Jim Irsay also said he was heartbroken by the news.
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
Post-retirement, Davis was in the news over a drunk driving incident in February 2023. Police found him asleep on the side of the road in Broward County, Florida after crashing his Tesla. The medical examiner in Broward said it could take weeks to determine his cause of death.
"This morning, Davie Police Officers responded to 6051 SW 178th Avenue in reference to a medical call," police in Davie said.
"Officers were called to the residence by the house assistant, who found the homeowner deceased. We can confirm that the deceased individual is Vontae Davis age 35."
"Preliminary information suggests that foul play is not involved," the statement added.
Davis played 121 games with the NFL and had 22 interceptions, 97 passes defended and 395 tackles. His older brother Vernon Davis was a former NFL tight end and two-time Pro Bowler.
