SOUTHWEST RANCHES, Fla. – A death investigation is underway after the body of former Miami Dolphins cornerback Vontae Davis was found at a home in Southwest Ranches Monday, authorities confirmed.
According to Davie police, officers responded to a home in the 6000 block of Southwest 178th Avenue in reference to a medical call that was made by a house assistant, who first discovered the body.
Police said that a man, who they later identified as Davis, 35, was found dead at the home and that foul play was not suspected at this time.
Although police identified Davis as the homeowner, property records show that the home is owned by his grandmother, Adaline Davis.
Davis’ former driver and longtime friend Vladimir Moise told Local 10 News he was devastated over the news and referred to the former Dolphins star as the “life of the party.”
“I don’t know what happened. He was the life of the party and a leader. He did a lot of things for the community. We just started a transportation/concierge business,” said Moise.
Davie police detectives spent hours on the sprawling property Monday with what appeared to be a security tech company later showing up to assist.
No cause of death has been released, pending autopsy results.
Davis’ last post on Instagram was made just last week where he promoted a children’s book he had recently completed.
Davis is the brother of former San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowl tight end Vernon Davis.
After spending three seasons in Miami, Vontae Davis was traded to the Indianapolis Colts right before the start of the 2012 season.
During an episode of Hard Knocks in 2012, football fans gained an insider’s perspective into the workings of then-Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland who orchestrated a trade to send Davis to the Colts.
An unforgettable moment occurred on the show when Ireland had to break the news of the trade to Davis. Davis’s immediate reaction was to “call grandma,” a gesture that he claimed reflected his deep admiration for her as his hero and the one who raised him, his four sisters and two brothers.
In Indianapolis, Davis earned back-to-back Pro Bowl nods during the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
After spending six seasons in Indianapolis, Davis joined the Buffalo Bills in 2018 for one season. However, less than two weeks into the campaign, he walked away and eventually retired at halftime of Buffalo’s Week 2 loss to the Chargers, not returning to the field with his team for the second half.
“Today on the field, reality hit me fast and hard,” Davis said in a statement after the game, explaining his unusual retirement. “I shouldn’t be out there anymore.”
Davis finished his career with 121 games played (113 starts), totaling 395 tackles, 97 passes defensed and 22 interceptions in 10 seasons.
Condolences have quickly come in for Davis and his loved ones, including from the Dolphins and Colts owner Jim Irsay.
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
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
Local 10 News reporter Andrew Perez contributed to this story.