Source: Tom Szczerbowski / Getty
According to
ESPN, Davis was found dead in his Florida home Monday morning. He was just 35 years old and two months shy of his 36th birthday.
He was reportedly discovered by his house assistant, and while Davie police confirm an investigation is ongoing, foul play is not expected.
“This morning, Davie Police Officers responded to 6051 SW 178th Avenue in reference to a medical call. 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,” Davie police said in a statement.
Davis famously made headlines in 2018 when, as a member of the
Buffalo Bills, he retired during half-time.
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After the game against the Chargers, he released a statement revealing that father time struck during the game, and he just knew it was time to hang up his cleats, despite how abrupt his decision was.
“Today on the field, reality hit me fast and hard. I shouldn’t be out there anymore,”
he said before citing the grind that comes with being a professional athlete. “And truthfully, I do not because the season is long, and it’s more important for me and my family to walk away healthy than to willfully embrace the warrior mentality and limp away too late.”
A football and track star in college, Davis was touted as a three-star recruit before committing to Illinois. After his junior year, he entered the 2009 NFL Draft and was picked in the first round by the
Miami Dolphins. He played there for two seasons before entering his prime with the
Indianapolis Colts from 2012-2017, where he also appeared in two Pro Bowls.
His stint with the Bills only lasted a game and a half, and upon the announcement of his death, the team released a statement.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Vontae Davis,” the Bills said. “We are thinking of his friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
See how social media is reacting to his passing below.
