I feel that every time I play I should be matched up against the best receiver. SW: When you’re lined up against a receiver pre-snap, what are you thinking about? Most corners, when you get consistent with your technique, it’s hard to find weaknesses or really attack [them]. Buffalo Bills’ Vontae Davis Explains Bizarre Halftime Retirement: “Reality Hit Me Fast and Hard, I Shouldn’t Be Out There Anymore” kartia Velino 8:39 AM No Comments Best of luck to you. SW: As I’m sure you saw, ESPN recently put out rankings for the top 10 corners in the game. Vontae Davis (VD):  Oh, it’s great. Based on that, do you consider yourself a shutdown corner? In an instant, Vontae Davis became the butt of a thousand jokes and the focus of hundreds of armchair psychiatrists. September 17, 2018. VD: Just consistency, you know? I feel that one of my strengths is my tackling ability, but I can also cover. Davis, 30,... 180916174022-bleacher-report-vontae-davis-exlarge-169, Gov. NOW PLAYING Tom Wolf signs 13th renewal of state's opioid disaster declaration, Wellspan Health will begin allowing visitation for one family member or support person at its facilities on Wednesday, Temperatures take a tumble with snow chances continuing through the weekend, Berlin blanketed with snow as freezing weather strikes Europe, MLB releases COVID-19 health and safety protocols for 2021, Reports: Flyers-Capitals game Tuesday cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols, Alex Trebek's family, 'Jeopardy!' By Annalece Montgomery. A lot of team’s study you… study your weaknesses and your strengths. That’s a huge step for a corner. SW: If you were to go one-on-one with your brother… who wins that match-up? the press technique and others to just get better. “I’m not that type of person. It was very emotional for me. I think I feel that, as I walk away from a game that no longer serves me mentally, physically, and emotionally. “I left everything the […] Me and my brother. Is that by design because you’re more comfortable on the left side? “Leaving was therapeutic, bro,” Davis said in an interview with The Undefeated. “I came to the conclusion that I no longer belong on a football field.”. “It was never about the money,” he said. In practice, you’ve been able to match up against Brandon Marshall who’s a big receiver in his own right. “My mother was addicted to drugs, my father an alcoholic. The player is Vontae Davis, a 30-year-old cornerback who played 10 seasons…well, nine seasons and one half of one game before abruptly pressing the eject button on his career. I’m the best corner in the league. SW: Your brother Vernon, who plays for the 49ers, he said you were the best corner in the game, as well. For the first time since he abruptly retired, leaving the Buffalo Bills at halftime in their Week 2 blowout loss on Sunday, former cornerback Vontae Davis broke his silence to explain his motives and expressed being at peace with his decision. We actually have a trainer that helps us perfect that. We train together and he’s got a lot of confidence in me. Miami Dolphins’ Vontae Davis is one best cornerbacks in the NFL, especially of those that no one’s heard about yet. VD: [Laughs] I would love to, but Coach Nolan probably won’t let me do that. Davis, 30, sent shockwaves through the NFL — and his own locker room — when he abruptly ended his career on September 16, retiring at halftime of the Buffalo Bills’ game against the Los Angeles Chargers. I’m blessed to be able to tackle like I do because it actually comes natural to me. Your name wasn’t on the list. Why don’t you get the respect that many think you deserve? Vontae Davis is a perfect Bill Parcells corner and that’s exactly why he drafted him in the 1st round of the 2009 draft. Colts CB Vontae Davis Pro Bowl Post-Game Interview Steve Andress caught up with Colts CB Vontae Davis after he won his first Pro Bowl with Team Irvin. Is it a technique thing… position on a particular play? Steve Wyremski (SW): How’s the off-season going so far? What does that mean to you coming from an NFL legend like Favre? VD: I’d rather go a whole game without letting a receiver catch a ball. “I come from very humble beginnings,” Davis said. SW: Is tackling something you’ve been working on at all this off-season? Davis said he’s “pretty sure” he’ll miss the game, but he has future plans, including opening a wellness center in Miami. “I made a decision that was concerning my health moving forward after the game of football. I feel like I retired because we’re so close and I look at him as he’s my son even though he’s my younger brother.”. In an interview on camera with CNN’s Brooke Baldwin, Davis responded to Alexander’s comments. So, that’s only 4 of 16 games where you’re given up 50 yards. Part of the choice to retire was physical, as Davis cited the issue of players dealing with the potential of brain injuries, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (commonly known as CTE). “All of that stuff goes into consideration,” Davis said. During week two of the NFL season last year Vontae Davis went to the locker at halftime of an NFL game, took off his uniform and pads, and walked away from the NFL. Is it the press? Just ask Brett Favre or even Vontae himself. VD: Karlos Dansby, Channing Crowder and Randy Starks… a lot of the older guys that fall into their sixth or seventh year. He and his wife also plan on starting a family. I’m going to the track right now. SW:  Who’s been the toughest receiver you’ve faced to date? VD: I would have to say my athletic ability. SW: On the field lined up against a receiver… are you a talker or more of the strong silent type? One year ago this week, Davis, the … When you’re not in a lot of plays and making a lot of plays, it’s hard to judge a corner on how good he is. Davis said in the second quarter he realized he just didn't belong on the field anymore. What do you think? Not only does Vontae excel on the field, but giving back to the community is important to him as evidenced by his recent trip to Africa (Uganda and Rwanda) with his brother Vernon Davis, Santonio Holmes, Adrian Peterson, as well as several other NFL players as part of the Pros for Africa relief trip. No one was more surprised that Vontae Davis was traded from the Dolphins to the Colts over the weekend than Vontae Davis. SW: You mentioned that team’s aren’t throwing the ball your way. When Buffalo Bills cornerback Vontae Davis took the highly unusual step of ending his NFL career at halftime of Buffalo’s 31-20 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, the predictable rebukes swarmed down on him. He said those who were there supported him. The "Good Morning Football" crew debates if Colts QB Andrew Luck and the team can win the AFC South in 2018. By: Stephen Holder, Indy Star. Like you said, your known as a solid tackler and a physical guy. He was done. Colts CB Vontae Davis Training Camp Interview Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis speaks to reporters before the third day of training camp. VD: Na, it’s not technique. Vontae Davis played one of the finest games a corner can play against Peyton Manning which is just another indication of the progress he has made since coming to Indianapolis. During a post-game interview with Michelle Tafoya, Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis was asked what the defense did this week to get ready for the game. That helps in going up against Andre Johnson [and other] receivers whose dominant trait is their physicality as far as muscling you for the ball and breaking tackles. SW: Vontae, thanks a lot for taking the time. I did what was best for me and my health moving forward.”. VD: That helped me with the physicality of it. SW:  If you had to pick one player, who would you say is the toughest? All it takes is a shoestring tackle and a guy just slipping from your arms. “I don’t think I quit. In an interview on camera with CNN’s Brooke Baldwin, Davis responded to Alexander’s comments. SW: You watch yourself on tape, what would you say is the best part of your game, other than the natural ability you mentioned on tackling? NFL-Profi Vontae Davis von den Buffalo Bills hat mit 30 Jahren seine Karriere beendet – auf ungewöhnliche Weise: Der Defensive Back verließ das Spiel gegen die Los Angeles Chargers (20:31) in der Halbzeit und erklärte anschließend in einem Instagram-Post seinen Rücktritt. But for cornerback Vontae Davis, none of that mattered. But for cornerback Vontae Davis, none of that mattered. SW: Last season, you lined up on the left side of the field 63% of the time. He was leaving $5 million on the table, and the game wasn’t even over yet. That ranked 11th fewest in the league. When he made his decision, Davis texted his wife, saying simply he was done. VD:  Of course. donates late host's wardrobe to charity, WATCH LIVE: Trump's historic 2nd impeachment trial begins. If you guys were to, would you lobby with Mike Nolan to cover Vernon? I work out with him every day. “In that moment, the warrior mentality that I had popped,” Davis explained. How has that helped you? “This isn’t how I pictured retiring from the NFL,” Vontae Davis said in a statement after walking away before halftime of the Bills' Week 2 game of the 2018 season. Vontae Davis can laugh at himself after great game, minor mistake vs. Denver. “I had more of an out-of-body, spiritual moment, and my intuition was telling me that football was no longer for me,” Davis said. I had to come to the conclusion that football was no longer for me, and that was really hard to deal with at the moment.”. NOW PLAYING Vontae Davis is a former professional football player who played cornerback in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins. Miami Dolphins’ Vontae Davis is one best cornerbacks in the NFL, especially of those that no one’s heard about yet. msn back to msn home sports. “It’s just completely disrespectful to his teammates.”. Where would you rank yourself among the top corners in the game? Skip To Navigation; Skip To Content; Skip To Footer; Sign in. One columnist called him “selfish.” Another reporter labeled his decision “an unconscionable act.” I know the type person he is [and] the type of player his is. Davis said in the second quarter he realized he just didn't belong on the field anymore. Vontae Davis became the butt of 10,000 jokes on Sunday when it was learned that at halftime of the Buffalo Bills’ home-opening loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Davis took off his uniform, put on his street clothes, and retired.. For 2010, we have you as our 14th overall corner ahead of guys like Darrelle Revis, Nnamdi Asomugha, Asante Samuel, etc. VD: Well, I have different skill set as far as corners. SW: You have Brett Favre calling you one of the best in the game and others comparing you to Champ Bailey. During his response, Davis said that the Colts “prepared really hard for Tom Brady.” Apparently Vontae Davis is the only person in the United States that wasn’t aware Peyton […] Most people don’t know who I am as a person or what I’ve been through to achieve the success I have.”, Davis’ older brother, Washington tight end Vernon Davis, took to Instagram a couple of days later after the news, writing, “It’s hard to see him retire, as I thought he would be in this league longer than me. Former NFL cornerback Vontae Davis is looking to sell his South Florida home. VD: Most of the top receivers are on the left side of the field [and] most quarterbacks are right handed so I ended up on the left side of the field a lot. My biggest thing is to keep improving and always get better to take the next step. Do you think that’s why? “It was also emotional for her. In today’s society, I think a lot of people go to work every day to collect a check. SW:  Has your workout routine changed at all with the lockout this off-season as compared to last year? Yesterday, Vontae Davis managed to dominate headlines despite the Cleveland Browns releasing Josh Gordon; Daniel Carlson and Zane Gonzalez missing game-changing kicks; and Ryan Fitzpatrick showing up to the post-game interview looking like this.During halftime of the Los Angeles Chargers – Buffalo Bills game, the veteran CB retired. You know, just become the best player that I can be. But in the midst of Buffalo’s game against the Chargers in Week 2, Davis, in his 10th NFL season, said he no longer felt like he belonged in that environment anymore. VD: It was real big because he paved the way for me as far as showing me how to work and become a professional at an early age. I say the same thing about him. Bills CB Vontae Davis explained his surprising decision to retire in the middle of Sunday's game in an interview... AFC Notes: Bills, Dolphins, Texans, Titans. He was leaving $5 million on the table, and the game wasn’t even over yet. Despite what the missed tackle stats may suggest, he’s a solid tackler who can also cover. That’s what I would tell people who say I quit. VD: Well, for me I feel that tackling is kind of a God given ability. Vontae is a physical player who prides himself on his tackling ability in leading a secondary that Pro Football Focus ranks among the top in the game. This was a situation I’ve never been in, and my intuition moved me in that way. He’s not saying that just because he’s my brother. So I think that’s the biggest reason. Before signing a one-year deal with the Bills for this season, Davis, a two-time Pro Bowler who was a first-round pick in 2009, had played for the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts. What do you think you need to do in order to take your game to the next level and become a Pro Bowler? Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis discusses new contract Indianapolis Colts. I wish I had a link Vontae responded by saying "Yeah we worked real hard all week preparing for Tom Brady and we came together as a team and beat him today". VD: I planned on going down there, but I’ve talked to my teammates and I just feel more comfortable training here in Washington DC with my trainer. He was done. SW: Who would you say you model your game after? They finished the interview and Bob Costas looked at the camera and started laughing. Unlock NFL Player Grades, Fantasy & NFL Draft, Unlock Premium Stats, PFF Greenline & DFS, Unlock College Player Grades and Preview Magazine, Unlock NCAA Premium Stats & PFF Greenline NCAA. I think it was Bob Costas who had asked Vontae about the game and playing Peyton Manning. Bills CB Vontae Davis said a sudden realization spurred his decision to retire at halftime of Sunday's blowout loss to the Chargers. Vontae Davis is at peace a year after his shocking mid-game retirement. He’s a big physical receiver. SW: How big was it to have him already in the league when the Dolphins drafted you in the first round of the ’09 NFL draft? The reason for the missed tackles has to do with… sometimes a guy slips out of a tackle. VD: I have no idea. 250+ three-page scouting profiles - advanced stats, 3-year grades, player comps, combine data and Senior Bowl grades - for the 2021 draft class. Davis said he had some of his teammates at his house afterward, explaining his decision to them. From my rookie year to my sophomore year I became a much better technician. VD: No, really just doing the basic stuff to help my skill set and improve my quickness. Davis described the exact point of when he decided to hang it up. “I come from very humble beginnings,” Davis said. SW: Back in September, Brett Favre called you “one of the best cornerbacks in the league, especially that no one knows about”. Do you brush that off and say, “ah, that’s just my brother talking”? I spent some time talking with Vontae about his 2010 season, how he compares to the other top corners in the league, as well as why quarterbacks seem to be afraid to throw his way. powered by Microsoft News. It’s only a matter of time before we see Vontae taking a February vacation to Hawaii. I witnessed my father being shot multiple times by his brother. With my situation and the type of player I am, I put myself as one of the best. It’s actually finishing the whole play and actually getting a guy on the ground. VD:  My big thing is to keep working hard and let it come to me. SW: You mentioned that you like matching up against bigger receivers. But for cornerback Vontae Davis, none of that mattered. Any specific cornerback technique you’re working on? “I no longer wanted to sacrifice my body where it didn’t benefit me moving forward.”. Just ask Brett Favre or even Vontae himself. I’m a talker on the field. SW: [Explain Pro Football Focus]. I don’t feel there’s [another] corner in the league that has both of those traits, so that’s why I said that I’m one of the best corners in the league. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. and you’re a hair from the top 10. He’s working on a children’s book, which is about how he overcame obstacles while growing up. Looking at the 2010 numbers, team’s only threw at you 7% of your snaps. PFF's Big Board for the 2021 NFL Draft offers three-year player grades, combine measurables, position rankings, and in-depth player analysis for all of the top draft prospects. It’s because of how we feel about each. Commentators and sportswriters questioned Vontae Davis' mental health and made jokes on social media and talk shows. Vontae Davis: ‘I had more of an out-of-body, spiritual moment’ He was leaving $5 million on the table, and the game wasn’t even over yet. Getty Image. VD:  Na, I’m a talker, but fans and the people outside of football won’t know. Vontae Davis gets traded - Hard Knocks (2012 season) - YouTube This year, I’ve been away from the ball a lot, so it’d be hard for them to even rank me. Vontae Davis sat in a red chair along the wall of the library at Dunbar High in Washington, hands in his lap and eyes straight ahead. Hours after his abrupt exit, Buffalo Bills Cornerback Vontae Davis released a statement via the NFL's official Twitter account explaining his decision to retire from the NFL at halftime during Sunday's (Sep. 16) game against the Los Angeles Chargers. I became more of a technician this year, but my athletic ability takes over and it kinda shocks me to see me do certain things when I watch film. SW: So, have you been working on anything in particular? What do you think was the main cause for those missed tackles? I’m such a competitor that (I know receivers are going to catch balls, but) I don’t want a receiver to catch any balls. NFL free agent rankings with analysis, projected salaries, PFF grades and PFF WAR. VD: Oh, number one of course [laughs]. Vontae Davis has zero regrets about how he retired, and is using it as a springboard to help troubled kids. SW: Talking about your tackling, in 2010, you missed 13 tackles, which ranked you in the bottom 4 [among corners] in the league. “Never have seen it ever — Pop Warner, high school, college, pros — never heard of it, never seen it,” Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander said after the game. Many people have issues with that given your play last season. VD: Yeah, [I’m] working on certain techniques…. SW: In 2010, you gave up over 50 yards in 4 games, one of which was over 100 yards. The Buffalo Bills lost again on Sunday and they also lost cornerback Vontae Davis, who literally quit playing football after a half in which the Bills were trailing 28-6. Now, 11 months later, Davis emerges from the chamber. SW:  What technique in particular is it? 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