Former NFL star Vontae Davis dead at 35

A former NFL star who made two Pro Bowl appearances before retiring midway through a game has died at the age of 35.

Vontae Davis #22 of the Buffalo Bills during pre-game warm-ups prior to the start of NFL game action against the Los Angeles Chargers at New Era Field on September 16, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

Vontae Davis, a former NFL cornerback and the brother of Super Bowl champion tight end Vernon Davis, has died at the age of 35.

Davis’ body was found dead at a home belonging to his grandmother in Southwest Ranches, Florida.

No foul play was suspected, police told the outlet.

A former Illinois product, Davis was originally selected 25th overall by the Dolphins in the 2009 NFL Draft.

He spent the first three seasons of his NFL career in Miami before being traded to the Colts ahead of the 2012 NFL season.

Davis earned two Pro Bowl nods during his time in Indianapolis, where he played through the 2017 season.

Vontae Davis retired midway through a game. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

He signed a one-year deal with the Bills in February 2018, only to retire midway through a game that September.

Colts owner Jim Irsay mourned Davis’ death on Monday, sharing an emotional message on X.

“Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis. A great guy, teammate, player. My prayers to Vontae’s family,” Irsay wrote.

R.I.P to cornerback Vontae Davis. We laughed at him when he retired at halftime during a game. Looking back its not very funny when you realize what happened in his life post-#NFL. These players endure a lot. And sometimes their behavior could be a cry for help. pic.twitter.com/9L09j4Hd1V

— TJAY Jones (@tjayjones8) April 1, 2024

Illinois assistant basketball coach Chester Frazier also addressed the former NFL pro’s passing on social media.

“#illinination we lost a great today!!! RIP TO @vontaedavis man nothing but good memories of that dude in school!!! Praying for the Davis family!!” the post on X read.

- This article originally appeared in the New York Post and was republished with permission