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The world of sports is in mourning on Monday after news of the sudden passing of former NFL Pro Bowl defensive back Vontae Davis.
WSVN News in Miami reports that Davis, 35, was found dead at a residence belonging to his grandmother, Adaline Davisn, in Southwest Ranches.
The Miami Dolphins selected Davis in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Illinois. He went on to make a pair of Pro Bowl appearances for the Indianapolis Colts in 2014 and 2015.
Davis is perhaps most well-known for his abrupt retirement in the middle of a game for the Buffalo Bills in 2018.
“This isn’t how I pictured retiring from the NFL. But in my 10th NFL season, I have been doing what my body has been programmed to do: Get ready to play on game day,” Davis said of the decision. “I’ve endured multiple surgeries and played through many different injuries throughout my career and, over the last few weeks, this was the latest physical challenge. But today on the field, reality hit me fast and hard: I shouldn’t be out there anymore.”
Davis is the younger brother of former Pro Bowl tight end Vernon Davis.
Tributes To Former NFL DB Vontae Davis Flood Social Media
Tributes to the former NFL star quickly came pouring out on social media.
Devastating and Heartbreaking news💔. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Davis family🙏🙏. It was an absolute honor and privilege being his coach in Indy. Great player but better person. Loved him like a son❤️❤️. RIP Vontae🙏🙏 https://t.co/ZzfwzILJrQ
— Chuck Pagano (@ChuckPaganoNFL) April 1, 2024
#illinination we lost a great today!!! RIP TO @vontaedavis man nothing but good memories of that dude in school!!! Praying for the Davis family!!
— Chester Frazier (@CoachFrazierILL) April 1, 2024
I know a million people are going to post this clip, but Shady McCoy and Tre’davious White retelling the story of Vontae Davis retiring mid game is one of the funniest football videos ever. RIP to a legend pic.twitter.com/mvZITCrLMP
— Jabaal Abdul Simmons 🇵🇸 (@drone_jock) April 1, 2024
Just tragic to hear about the loss of Vontae Davis.
Always had a smile on his face when I saw him in that back corner of the Colts locker room.
That 2014 season was so special by Davis. Arguably, the Colts best player in that AFC Title game run. https://t.co/kqKscjAKxL
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) April 1, 2024
We’re saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Vontae Davis, a former first-round pick who spent the majority of his decade-long NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts.
Here are some highlights of Davis’ time with the Colts, where he was named to two consecutive Pro Bowls in… pic.twitter.com/dev29nxJXi
— Four Verts 🏈 (@FourVerticals_) April 1, 2024
Davis spent 10 seasons in the NFL. He played for the Dolphins, Colts and Bills.