The NFL world was rocked Monday afternoon after it was announced that Vontae Davis was found dead in his home. Davis, 35, was a 10-year NFL veteran with two Pro Bowl nominations. He recorded 22 interceptions for the Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins while adding 97 passes defensed.
Davis is survived by his wife Megan Harpe. Since the announcement of his passing, people all over the NFL world have come out to offer their prayers to his family.
NFL World Honors Vontae Davis
After beginning his career with the Dolphins, Davis spent six seasons with the Colts, which saw him reach the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2015. Miami released a statement saying, “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.”
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
Through his career in Indy, though, Davis made bonds that left several shattered following Monday’s news. Colts owner Jim Irsay paid tribute to Davis on X on Monday afternoon.
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
Irsay wasn’t the only Colt to offer his condolences, as former teammate and legendary wide receiver Reggie Wayne shared a heartfelt message on X.
Sad Day. We used to battle everyday in practice. Sometimes it ended in a bunch of bickering and almost fights. 😂😢. We got each other better. It was a pleasure wearing the horseshoe with you homie. Rest easy "Champ." Praying for your family and love ones. 🙏🏾🙏🏾 🙏🏾 R.I.P. #VD21 pic.twitter.com/zfb8efeX2o
— Reggie Wayne (@ReggieWayne_17) April 1, 2024
Pat McAfee is another notable former teammate of Davis, who took time this afternoon to remember the former NFL cornerback and offer prayers to him and his family. He was joined by their former Colts teammate Darius Butler, a regular on The Pat McAfee Show.
Rest In Peace Vontae Davis#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/5ABxnfLOcQ
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 1, 2024
“Vontae was an incredibly cool dude,” said McAfee. “Good guy, nice guy, upbeat guy, energetic guy.”
McAfee mentioned that Davis is widely known for this moment on Hard Knocks in 2012 when he found out he got traded from the Dolphins to the Colts, but that he and Butler will remember him for being an incredibly cool teammate.
Vontae Davis getting traded to the Colts while on Hard Knocks pic.twitter.com/i5ZYhol06t
— boxingfan333 (@boxingfan3333) April 1, 2024
In the clip, after being told about getting traded to the Colts, Davis’ first reaction was, “I want to call my grandma.”
It’s a tragedy that Davis is gone so soon, at the age of just 35 years old. Some continue to mourn his passing, but others have used the time to think about the great moments the cornerback had both on and off the field.
To someone like Emmanuel Acho, one of the bright moments shared with the corner was when he surprisingly retired midway through a game between the Bills and Chargers. The moment has since been joked about with former teammates LeSean McCoy and Tre’Davious White.
Vontae Davis provided us with spectacular plays & plenty of laughs.
None greater than when he retired from the Bills at halftime.
Here are his former teammates, Shady McCoy and Tre’Davious White retelling this all time great story, RIP 🥹💔pic.twitter.com/kS0urKNw2t
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) April 1, 2024
Davis’ passing has sent shockwaves and sadness throughout the NFL to former teammates and opponents. At 35 years old, the Pro Bowl corner will leave behind plenty of treasured memories.
