Vontae Davis, former NFL star, dead at 35
Vontae Davis, a former NFL cornerback and the brother of Super Bowl champion tight end Vernon Davis, has died at the age of 35, according to WSVN 7.
Davis’ body was found dead at a home belonging to his grandmother in Southwest Ranches, Fla.
No foul play was suspected, police told the outlet.
A former Illinois product, Davis was originally selected 25th overall by the Dolphins in the 2009 NFL Draft.
He spent the first three seasons of his NFL career in Miami before being traded to the Colts ahead of the 2012 NFL season.
Davis earned two Pro Bowl nods during his time in Indianapolis, where he played through the 2017 season.
He signed a one-year deal with the Bills in February 2018, only to retire midway through a game that September.
In February 2023, Davis was charged with driving under the influence in a Broward County, Fla. crash in which his Tesla allegedly hit a truck that was reportedly disabled on the side of the highway.
Davis appeared to be asleep on the side of the road and struggled to stay conscious after being placed into a patrol vehicle by responding officers.
Colts owner Jim Irsay mourned Davis’ death on Monday, sharing an emotional message on X.
“Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis. A great guy, teammate, player. My prayers to Vontae’s family,” Irsay wrote.
Illinois assistant basketball coach Chester Frazier also addressed the former NFL pro’s passing on social media.
“#illinination we lost a great today!!! RIP TO @vontaedavis man nothing but good memories of that dude in school!!! Praying for the Davis family!!” the post on X read.
