Vontae Davis, the former NFL cornerback dead, aged 35

Vontae Davis, a former NFL cornerback, was discovered dead on Monday at a South Florida home, according to Davie police. He was 35. 

"Davie Police officers responded to a medical complaint at 6051 SW 178th Avenue this morning. When the house helper discovered the homeowner dead, she called the police. It is confirmed that the dead person was 35-year-old Vontae Davis. According to preliminary knowledge, foul play is not suspected," a statement from Davie police stated. 

According to police, the investigation is still ongoing. 

The reason of Davis' death may not be known for up to 90 days, according to the Broward County Office of Medical Examiner and Trauma Services, requiring a thorough investigation and additional tests. This was announced on Monday. 

Davis made headlines in 2018 when, while playing for the Buffalo Bills, he abruptly retired at halftime of a September game against the Los Angeles Chargers. 

In a statement released after the game, he said he meant no disrespect to his teammates and coaches but said that while he was on the field that Sunday, he didn't feel right and wondered whether he wanted to keep going. 

"And truthfully, I do not because the season is long, and it's more important for me and my family to walk away healthy than to willfully embrace the warrior mentality and limp away too late," he added in a statement. 

The Bills released a statement on social media stating, "We are saddened to learn of Vontae Davis' passing." "We are thinking of his friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time." 

He played three seasons at Illinois before the Miami Dolphins selected him in the first round (25th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. His sole career touchdown came off a pick-six, his first interception in the NFL. 

The Dolphins traded Davis to the Indianapolis Colts in 2012, a year when Miami was featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks." When then-Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland told him he'd been traded, his first reaction was to ask whether he could call his grandmother and his brother, a moment that went viral. He didn't know cameras were inside the room at that time and told ESPN after he retired, "I felt kind of violated." 

In a social media post Monday, the Dolphins said, "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." 

He was selected to two Pro Bowls (2014-15) while playing in six seasons for the Colts. 

"We are devastated to hear of Vontae Davis's passing. He was a standout player in his six seasons with the Horseshoe, but he was an even better teammate who carried a smile and positive energy every day. He will be deeply missed, and we send our prayers to his family and loved ones," the Colts said in a statement. 

Colts owner Jim Irsay and several of Davis' former teammates, including wide receivers T.Y. Hilton and Reggie Wayne, reacted to news of his death on social media. 

In 10 NFL seasons, he had 22 interceptions, 97 passes defended and 395 tackles in 121 career games. 

His older brother, Vernon Davis, also played in the NFL as a tight end and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection, retiring in 2019.