Matt Dunham/AP
Vontae Davis played 10 years in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts and two other teams.
CNN
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Vontae Davis, former NFL cornerback who made two Pro Bowls with the Indianapolis Colts and memorably He was retired at halftime of the final game.He was found dead by police at his home in South Florida on Monday, authorities said.
According to the Davie Police Department, officers were called to a home in Southwest Ranches by a housekeeper and found Davis dead. Preliminary information indicates foul play was not involved and the investigation is active, police added.
The Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating the death.
Davis, 35, played in 121 games during a 10-year career with the Miami Dolphins, Colts and Buffalo Bills, totaling 22 interceptions and 97 pass breakups.
He played college football for Illinois and was selected by the Dolphins with the 25th pick in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played three seasons with Miami before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts for a second-round pick. The HBO show “Hard Knocks” was following the Dolphins at the time and He held a tense conversation About the business between then-general manager Jeff Ireland and Davis, he offered insight into the league’s personal issues.
“The rumor is true: we sold you out,” said Ireland.
“I want to call my grandmother,” answered the shocked corner.
Davis excelled in Indianapolis in 2014 4-year, $36 million deal To stay with the group. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2015 with four interceptions in each season and played a total of six seasons with the Colts.
In the year He signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Buffalo Bills in 2018, but suddenly He was retired at halftime in the team’s second game.. The decision shocked his teammates and the league, which has traditionally admired his fighting spirit.
“I had an out-of-body spiritual moment, and my gut was telling me football wasn’t for me,” he told CNN.
He said part of his decision to retire was physical, citing the case of players dealing with brain injuries such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.
“All these things are taken into consideration,” he said. “I don’t want to sacrifice my body anymore where it doesn’t benefit me going forward.”
Davis, the brother of former NFL tight end Vernon Davis, spoke to CNN about his difficult upbringing.
“I came from very humble beginnings,” Davis said. “My mother was a drug addict, my father was an alcoholic. I grew up in horrible circumstances. I have seen my father shot many times by his brother. And when they come out of such situations, they are not considered as quiet.
“I don’t think I’m cut off. I think I feel it when I walk away from a game that doesn’t benefit me mentally, physically and emotionally. That’s what I tell people who say they quit. Most people don’t know who I am as a person or what I went through to achieve the success I have.
The NFL and its three teams offered their condolences on Monday.
“The NFL was devastated to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones,” the NFL said.
“We are heartbroken by the sudden death of former Dolphins CB Vontae Davis and offer our condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.” There are dolphins..
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis,” the Colts said. During his six seasons with Horseshow, he was a talented player, but an even better teammate, carrying a smile and positive energy every day. He will be greatly missed, and we send our prayers to his family and friends.
Poles owner Jim Irsay b Stick on the X. “Great guy, teammate, player. My prayers go out to the Vonta family.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis,” the bill said in a statement. “We are thinking of his friends, family and loved ones at this difficult time.”