Police confirm Vontae Davis’ death, investigation remains active

Davie Police (Fla.) confirmed the death of former NFL defensive back Vontae Davis on Monday. Davis’ body was found at his residence.

Officers responded to a call Monday and found the body unresponsive. It was later confirmed it was Davis, 35.

He had been retired from the NFL since 2018.

“This morning, Davie Police Officers responded to 6051 SW 178th Avenue in reference to a medical call,” the statement 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 investigation remains ACTIVE.”

According to property records, the home is owned by Adaline Davis, the grandmother of Vontae Davis, but the latter’s body was found by police.

Davis began his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins and played there from 2009-11. The Dolphins selected him in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Illinois.

Playing 10 seasons, Davis suited up for the Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills. He finished his career with 395 total tackles, 344 solo tackles, two sacks, 22 interceptions, 98 pass deflections, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one defensive touchdown.

As a member of the Class of 2006, Davis was a three-star recruit out of Washington (D.C.) Dunbar, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in D.C., the No. 36 cornerback prospect in the class and the No. 464 overall prospect in the class.

Davis, a former two-time Pro Bowler and all-rookie team member in 2009, had a successful career following a great three years in college at Illinois.

However, his NFL career ended in bizarre fashion after he signed a one-year deal with the Bills in 2018. During a game in September that season against the Los Angeles Chargers, he removed himself from the game and claimed he was “done.”

Davis abruptly retired in the middle of the game and the former cornerback claimed the abrupt realization was due to football no longer being what he was meant to do. He said “leaving was therapeutic” at the time.

Davis was also the younger brother of former San Francisco 49ers star tight end Vernon Davis.