Former Miami Dolphins cornerback Vontae Davis has died suddenly and unexpectedly after being found lifeless in his grandmother’s home in Southwest Florida.
Davis’ ong-time friend Vladimir Moise confirmed his death.
The cause of death is still not known.
Davis’ former coach, Chester Frazier, also confirmed the death on X,
CBS News reported:
During a Zoom news conference Monday, Fighting Illini head football coach Bret Bielema said while he did not coach Davis, he did compete against him as an assistant coach in the NFL.
Bielema said Davis was a “very loved” player at Illinois and spoke of Davis’ “passion” and “intensity.”
“I just saw an incredibly talented player; checked all the boxes,” Bielema said.
“I knew he was going to be a great not just college player, but in the NFL.”
The Dolphins signed Davis in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, but he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts during 2012 training.
The player is best known for announcing his retirement in 2018 during a game between his team and the Los Angeles Chargers.
#CowboysNation A great man and legend in the #NFL was lost yesterday. Rest in peace #VontaeDavis you will be missed and you will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/EggFoRoYPX
— JayAre_1177_DC4L (@Junior11771) April 2, 2024
As CNN reported:
He said part of the choice to retire was physical, citing the issue of players dealing with brain injuries like chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.
“All of that stuff goes into consideration,” he said. “I no longer wanted to sacrifice my body where it didn’t benefit me moving forward.”
Davis, the brother of former NFL tight end Vernon Davis, also spoke to CNN about their difficult upbringing.
“I come from very humble beginnings,” Davis said.
“My mother was addicted to drugs, my father an alcoholic. I grew up in some very traumatic situations. I witnessed my father being shot multiple times by his brother.”
“And when you come out of situations like that, you’re just not considered a quitter.
READ: Internationally Renowned Footballer, 44, Dies Unexpectedly
