The NFL world received some difficult news on Monday, as former Pro Bowler Vontae Davis was found dead at a residence in Florida.
Davis, who began his career with the Miami Dolphins after being drafted by them in 2009, has received lots of love on social media following the tragic news.
BREAKING: Vontae Davis was found dead at a Southwest Ranches home, per @wsvn
The former #Dolphins CB was 35 years old. RIP 🙏 pic.twitter.com/cyCRbJNZ2A
— Dolphin Nation (@Dolphin_Nation) April 1, 2024
So saddened by the news of Vontae Davis. Such a great man and it was an honor to be teammates. May we pray for God to comfort the Davis family during this heartbreaking time.
— Matt Overton (@MattOverton_LS) April 1, 2024
We just was on FT a couple weeks ago. I sill can’t believe you gone. I don’t wanna believe you gone! My head hurt so bad. 😢😢😢 RIP VD pic.twitter.com/fsqthKoCmc
— TY Hilton (@TYHilton13) April 1, 2024
Just sitting here staring at my phone in shock over the Vontae Davis news…
I’m so heartbroken for his family, NFL players please check on your brothers. 💔 https://t.co/ggQS7XkQ1z
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) April 1, 2024
Hard hearing the news about Vontae Davis… Praying for him and his family. Have no clue what he was going through but I’m sorry this happened. 35 years young
— Jermon Bushrod (@j_bushrod7475) April 1, 2024
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
Pat McAfee and Darius Butler — two former teammates of Davis with the Indianapolis Colts — also took some time to speak about the 35-year-old’s passing.
“What I think we’ll remember him for is being an incredibly cool teammate in that locker room and bein’ a guy that all of us enjoyed bein’ around on a daily basis,” McAfee said in part.
Butler chimed in.
“You never know what people are goin’ through, what they’re dealin’ with,” Butler said in part. “Obviously sendin’ my heart and condolences to his family, his loved ones, his friends, all his former teammates who have been reachin’ out. … It’s a tough time right now.”
There aren’t many details available surrounding Davis’ death, but foul play isn’t suspected at this time.
The Dolphins took to social media to honor Davis with a nice statement.
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. pic.twitter.com/mB1kYUpZqQ
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) April 1, 2024
Davis spent three seasons with the Dolphins at the start of his NFL career. During his time with the organization, he appeared in 44 games (36 starts) and totaled 32 passes defended and nine interceptions.
He then spent six seasons with the Colts, who were able to enjoy some of the best years of his career. He earned two Pro Bowl nods with Indianapolis, helping the team reach the playoffs numerous times.
To wrap up his career, he had a brief stint with the Buffalo Bills, which ended in unforgettable fashion when he decided to retire during the middle of a game. That was the only game he appeared in for Buffalo.
Davis had a solid career in the NFL, and it’s clear from all of Monday’s tributes that he was a fantastic teammate as well. It’s certainly a tough time for anyone that he touched during his 35 years.
In the coming days, more information may become available surrounding the circumstances of his death. For now, the best thing folks can do is continue to support those who are impacted by the tragic news.
The madness of the NFL offseason has slowed down for now, giving the football community a chance to process the difficult loss.
