The untimely passing of former NFL cornerback Vontae Davis at the age of 35 has had a profound impact on those he played with.
Reggie Wayne, who played three seasons alongside Davis with the Indianapolis Colts from 2012-14, paid tribute to his old teammate on X/Twitter Monday afternoon.
“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,” Wayne said. “It was a pleasure wearing the horseshoe with you homie. Rest easy ‘Champ.’ Praying for your family and love ones. R.I.P. #VD21.”
Davis played in the NFL from 2009-18, making a pair of Pro Bowls with the Colts in 2014-15. He infamously retired at halftime of a game during Week 2 of the 2018 season while a member of the Buffalo Bills.
“This isn’t how I pictured retiring from the NFL,” Davis said in a statement at the time. “But in my 10th NFL season, I have been doing what my body has been programmed to do: Get ready to play on game day. I’ve endured multiple surgeries and played through many different injuries throughout my career and, over the last few weeks, this was the latest physical challenge.
“But today on the field, reality hit me fast and hard: I shouldn’t be out there anymore.”
Davis was found dead this morning at a home he owned in South Florida, according to Davie (Fla.) Police.
“We can confirm that the deceased individual is Vontae Davis age 35,” police said. “Preliminary information suggests that foul play is not involved. This investigation remains ACTIVE.”