Southwest Ranches, FL – April 1, 2024 – Former NFL cornerback Vontae Davis was found dead in his Southwest Ranches, Florida home this morning. He was 35 years old.

Davis, a standout defensive back, carved a niche for himself in the NFL over a ten-year career. Drafted 25th overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2009 after a stellar career at the University of Illinois, Davis quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His athleticism and ball-hawking skills earned him a reputation as a shutdown corner, racking up 22 interceptions and deflecting 97 passes throughout his career.

Miami fans will remember his rookie season where he returned an interception for a touchdown. After three seasons with the Dolphins, Davis was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 2012. It was with the Colts that Davis truly blossomed, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2014 and 2015. His ability to lock down opposing receivers helped the Colts become a defensive powerhouse during that era. In 2018, Davis signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills, but his tenure there was short-lived. In a move that surprised many, Davis abruptly retired at halftime during the Bills’ second game of the season.

According to the Davie Police Department, officers were called to Davis’ residence on Monday morning by a house assistant who discovered his body. “Preliminary information suggests that foul play is not involved,” the department said in a statement. An investigation into the cause of death is ongoing, and could take up to 90 days to complete.

Tributes poured in for Davis from across the NFL community. The Miami Dolphins posted a black-and-white photo of Davis on social media, while his former coach, Chester Frazier, called him “a great” who was lost too soon.

Davis’ death is a sudden and unexpected loss for the football world. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.