Former NFL star Vontae Davis, 35, found dead in Florida home

INDIANAPOLIS (WXIN) — An investigation is underway after the body of former NFL cornerback Vontae Davis was discovered at a home in Southwest Ranches, Florida, Monday.

Davis was 35.

Officials with the Davie Police Department identified Davis as the deceased Monday afternoon, amid reports of a body discovered in a Florida residence, ESPN and the NFL confirmed.

Police said no foul play was suspected.

Friends and former colleagues of Davis took to social media on Monday to remember the late football player.

“#illinination we lost a great today!!!,’’ wrote Chester Frazier, an assistant coach at the University of Illinois where Davis developed as a top cornerback, in a social media post Monday. “RIP to @vontaedavis. Man nothing but good memories of that dude in school!!! Praying for the Davis family!!’’

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay also offered his condolences.

“Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis,’’ he posted on X. “A great guy, teammate, player. My prayers to Vontae’s family.’’

Bobby Maze, one of Davis’ childhood friends, also reacted on Facebook.

“Life will never be the same without my brother,’’ Maze wrote. "It just wasn't supposed to end like this," he added in a later passage.

Davis was a 2009 first-round pick of Miami, but his career took off after the Colts acquired him in a trade with the Dolphins prior to the 2012 season. In six years in Indy, Davis started 76 games and had 13 interceptions. The Colts signed him to a four-year, $39 million contract with $20 guaranteed in March 2014, and he would be selected to the Pro Bowl in ’14 and ’15.

The Colts released Davis in November 2017, in part because of a lingering groin injury that first led to Davis being benched and then resulted in Davis deciding on season-ending surgery. Davis signed with Buffalo in 2018, but appeared in only one game.