Vontae Davis, a former NFL cornerback best known for his prime years with the Indianapolis Colts, had an estimated net worth of $16 million at the time of his death. Davis played in the National Football League from 2009 to 2018, earning tens of millions of dollars through player contracts, bonuses, and endorsements.
During his career, Davis established himself as one of the league’s top shutdown cornerbacks, earning two Pro Bowl selections and becoming widely respected for his coverage skills. His life and career, however, were also marked by one of the most unusual retirements in NFL history and, later, a tragic and untimely death in 2024 at the age of 35.
| Vontae Davis Net Worth | $16 Million |
| Date of Birth | May 27, 1988 |
| Place of Birth | Washington, D.C. |
Vontae Davis Contracts
Over the course of his NFL career, Vontae Davis earned more than $50 million in gross salary before taxes, agent fees, and other professional expenses.
His notable contracts included:
- A first-round rookie contract with the Miami Dolphins after being selected in the 2009 NFL Draft
- A lucrative four-year, $39 million contract extension with the Indianapolis Colts in 2014
- A one-year, $5 million deal with the Buffalo Bills in 2018, which included $3.5 million guaranteed
Despite retiring early during the 2018 season, Davis walked away financially secure. In later interviews, he described his decision to retire as “the best decision of my life,” emphasizing long-term health over continued earnings.
Early Life
Vontae Ottis Davis was born on May 27, 1988, in Washington, D.C. He grew up in a competitive athletic household alongside his younger brother Vernon Davis, who also went on to have a successful NFL career.
Davis attended Dunbar High School, where he excelled in both football and track. As a senior on the football team, he recorded:
- 38 tackles
- 8 interceptions
His speed on the track complemented his football skills, making him one of the top defensive back prospects in the region.
College Career at the University of Illinois
Davis played college football at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign for the Fighting Illini. He made an immediate impact as a freshman, recording 30 tackles and an interception, and was named Illinois Rookie of the Year.
Over the next two seasons, Davis continued to develop:
- In 2007, he recorded 56 tackles, including 13 in the Rose Bowl
- Following his junior season in 2008, he declared for the NFL Draft
His combination of size, speed, and ball skills made him a first-round prospect.
Miami Dolphins Years
The Miami Dolphins selected Davis with the 25th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, finishing the season with:
- 47 solo tackles
- 11 pass deflections
- 4 interceptions
His performance earned him a spot on the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team.
Davis became a full-time starter in 2010 and 2011, serving as Miami’s top cornerback. While injuries and depth-chart changes affected his role late in his Dolphins tenure, his talent was evident, leading to a trade before the 2012 season.
Indianapolis Colts
Davis was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in August 2012, a move that revitalized his career. He quickly became the team’s No. 1 cornerback and played a key role in multiple playoff runs.
His standout seasons included:
- 2014: Led the NFL in lowest opposing passer rating (38.8), recorded 18 pass deflections, and earned his first Pro Bowl selection
- 2015: Posted 16 pass deflections and four interceptions, earning a second consecutive Pro Bowl nod
During this period, Davis was widely regarded as one of the league’s elite coverage defenders, capable of neutralizing top receivers.
Injuries and Final NFL Seasons
Injuries began to take a toll during Davis’s later years with the Colts. In 2017, a lingering groin injury required surgery, cutting his season short.
In early 2018, Davis signed with the Buffalo Bills, but his time there became one of the most talked-about moments in modern NFL history.
Infamous Halftime Retirement
In Week 2 of the 2018 season, Davis shocked the football world by retiring at halftime of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He removed himself from the lineup, told coaches he was finished, and later announced his retirement publicly.
The decision sparked intense debate, but Davis later explained that he prioritized:
- Long-term physical health
- Mental well-being
- Life beyond football
One year later, he stated unequivocally that retiring mid-game was the right choice for him.
Personal Life
Vontae Davis married Megan Harpe in 2015. He invested heavily in real estate throughout his career, particularly in Florida.
Notable properties included:
- A lagoon-front mansion in Davie, Florida, purchased for $1.1 million in 2010 and sold in 2020
- A luxury home in Southwest Ranches, Florida, purchased for $2.395 million in 2018
Following his death, his estate listed the Southwest Ranches property for $4.3 million in June 2024.
Vontae Davis Death
Tragically, Vontae Davis died on April 1, 2024, at the age of 35. His passing shocked the football community and prompted widespread reflection on his career, personal decisions, and advocacy for player health.
Vontae Davis Net Worth
Vontae Davis net worth is estimated to be $16 million.
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