Former Miami Dolphins’ cornerback Vontae Davis was found dead at a Southwest Ranches home Monday, police said.
Davis’s assistant found him dead Monday morning at the home in the 6000 block of Southwest 178th Avenue and called 911 about 7 a.m., Sgt. Kelvin Urbaez, a spokesperson for Davie Police, said in an email Monday afternoon.
Davis was 35.
Davis, from Washington, D.C., was raised by his grandmother, Adeline Davis, according to his bio from the University of Illinois, where he played college football and majored in speech communication. He was the younger brother of fellow NFL player Vernon Davis, a two-time Pro Bowl tight end.
The home where Davis was found Monday morning is owned by his grandmother, county property records show. The address was listed as Davis’s home in Broward County court records.
Investigators do not suspect foul play. The police department has not released additional information.
Davis was a first-round draft pick of the Dolphins in 2009, selected at No. 25. The cornerback played three seasons for Miami before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 27, 2012 ahead of his fourth NFL season.
Jim Irsay, CEO of the Colts, said in a post on X: “Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis. A great guy, teammate, player. My prayers to Vontae’s family.”
Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis. A great guy, teammate, player. My prayers to Vontae’s family.????
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) April 1, 2024
Davis had nine interceptions over his three years with the Dolphins. Inconsistent to start his career, he was eventually selected to a pair of Pro Bowls in 2014 and 2015 with the Colts.
In 2018 with the Buffalo Bills, Davis famously retired during halftime of his first game with the team against the Los Angeles Chargers. He finished his career with 22 interceptions and 97 pass deflections.
The Dolphins released a statement Monday afternoon: “We are heartbroken by the sudden passing of former Dolphins CB Vontae Davis and extend our deepest condolences to his family & loved ones during this difficult time.”
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Vontae Davis,” the Buffalo Bills said in a post on social media Monday afternoon. “We are thinking of his friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Chester Frazier, assistant coach of men’s basketball at University of Illinois, wrote in a post on X that the university community “lost a great today.”
“RIP TO @vontaedavis man nothing but good memories of that dude in school!!!” Frazier wrote. “Praying for the Davis family!!”
#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
Davis was arrested in February 2023 on a DUI charge after crashing into the back of a disabled truck, moving the truck, which then hit and injured the owner who was standing outside next to it, according to an arrest report. The court withheld adjudication, meaning he was not convicted, and sentenced him to probation, which was set to end later this month.
This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
