Former NFL Star’s Last Instagram Post Before His Sudden Death
Former Buffalo Bills cornerback Vontae Davis promoted his children’s book titled “The Middle School Rules of Vontae Davis” on Instagram a week before he died unexpectedly at his south Florida home on April 1. In the post, he expressed excitement about sharing his journey from DC to where he was then and how the signed book would be packed with valuable life lessons as well as gratitude for those that supported him along the way. 📚
According to Amazon, the book depicts how Vontae and his siblings encountered a probable separation into different foster homes at 11 years old. However, their Grandma Adaline refused this possibility by adopting all seven children despite facing financial hardships. With help from his two-time Pro Bowl tight end brother Vernon, Vontae obtained a college football scholarship which led him to join the NFL after three years.
According to information from the Davie Police Department reported by multiple media outlets, Davis was discovered unresponsive in his expansive home located in Southwest Ranches. At 35 years old, he lived approximately 15 miles southwest of Fort Lauderdale. Although law enforcement officials do not believe foul play is involved, an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding his untimely death remains underway.
On March 21st, the former student of Illinois shared on Instagram his enthusiasm for establishing Davis Hospitality Group. He stated that it was created from difficult circumstances and encouraged by perseverance. His route to success from having nothing to doing well now is proof that one’s determination can make a difference in life when given love by their family. Adopted into his grandparent’s care has inspired him towards seeing obstacles as chances instead of setbacks along with turning them around into opportunities like this new venture @davishospitalitygroup_ whose debut he anticipates eagerly! 🌟
Davis was chosen by the Miami Dolphins in the initial round of NFL’s 2009 draft, but he was later traded to the Indianapolis Colts following a tenure of three seasons.
After spending six seasons with the Colts, Davis joined the Bills on a one-year deal worth $5 million. However, his stint in Buffalo was short-lived as he retired midway through their Week 2 match against the Los Angeles Chargers – just after playing for six quarters. His NFL career came to an end with impressive stats of 395 total tackles, 97 passes defensed and 22 interceptions.
The NFL community was shaken by the announcement of Davis’ passing, and social media platforms were filled with messages commemorating the former cornerback. Chester Frazier, who works as an assistant basketball coach at University of Illinois, shared this heartbreaking news on X platform. He wrote: “#illinination we lost a great today!!! RIP TO @vontaedavis man nothing but good memories of that dude in school!!! Praying for the Davis family!!”
Tay Jones, from WGLI, expressed his condolences for cornerback Vontae Davis by saying that they once mocked him when he retired during half-time of a game. However, in retrospect it’s not amusing given what occurred to him post-#NFL. These athletes have to bear an immense amount and their actions may sometimes indicate a plea for help.
The official X account of the Bills expressed their grief through a post that read, “Our hearts are heavy with the news of Vontae Davis’ demise. Our thoughts go out to his cherished ones as they cope during this trying period. ❤️💙”
Emmanuel Acho, now working as an analyst after his career as a linebacker, expressed his shock about the Vontae Davis news by stating that he was sitting and staring at his phone. He added that he felt heartbroken for Vontae’s family and urged NFL players to check on their brothers during this difficult time.
According to Michael Dolan, during his tenure at Athletes Quarterly magazine, Vontae Davis extended an invitation for a fashion photoshoot at his residence. In the shoot’s course, Mr. Davis enjoined everyone present in some pool time fun and laughter. Of all the athletes he’d met, Mr. Dolan opines that none was as kind-hearted as Vonte; it breaks him up deeply knowing he is no longer with us because every passing day seems harder than previous ones in this world we inhabit today.”
Vontae Davis Shared a Statement Explaining Why He Abruptly Retired
In his sole game as a member of the Bills, Davis managed to register only one tackle. However, he abruptly left the field and informed head coach Sean McDermott that he was finished with playing for the team. “He withdrew from participating,” stated McDermott when addressing reporters about Davis’ resignation.
The sudden retirement of Davis left former Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander in astonishment. As reported by Mike Rodak from ESPN, Alexander stated that he had never witnessed such an act before throughout his experience with football at different levels including Pop Warner, high school, college and the pros. He also added that it was entirely disrespectful to his teammates.
Davis issued a statement regarding his retirement in which he disclosed that while on the field, he came to the harsh realization that it was no longer suitable for him. He stated that despite not wanting to let down his team and coaches, there is an expectation of himself within him which compels high performance levels mentally but unfortunately; such wasn’t feasible physically anymore. During gameplay before retiring finally, Davis told members of coaching staff how disoriented and unlike himself playing felt at present time.
“Do I want to continue making sacrifices?” was also a question that crossed my mind.
After a couple of months, Davis made light of the incident in an advertisement for FanDuel. In addition to that, his former teammates Tre’Davious White and LeSean McCoy shared a laugh over his unexpected retirement at a later date.
After retiring from the NFL, the former Pro Bowler faced difficulties. He was charged with a DUI last year in Florida. According to Andy Slater of Fox Sports 360, Davis supposedly collided with an incapacitated vehicle parked beside the highway and struck someone standing next to it. Police discovered Davis asleep on the roadside shoulder.
