A heartbreaking video showing Vontae Davis’ trade to the Indianapolis Colts in 2012 has resurfaced on social media, as the late NFL cornerback’s first thought was to call his grandmother to break the news to him at the time.
On Monday, just hours after Davis’ death was publicly announced, an X user, who goes by @boxingfan3333, shared an episode of Hard Knocks in which then-Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland asked to chat with Davis one on one in the middle of an exchange. on the cards with the Colts before the start of the 2012-13 season.
As they begin the conversation, Ireland confesses that the rumors are true and tells Davis, “We just traded you.” OK? We traded you to the Indianapolis Colts. Alright? So, uhm… are you okay?
“No, I’m going to call my grandmother,” Davis responded immediately, as he seemed to be in shock.
‘Are you going to call your grandmother?’ Ireland asked, as she wanted to double-check what she had just heard from Davis, before trying to reassure the player. “Okay, this hasn’t been in the papers or anything like that,” she added. ‘What would this do? Why don’t we do some business first before you call grandma?
Hard Knock footage from 2012 shows then-Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland trading Vontae Davis
Shocked by the news that he was being traded to the Colts, Davis asked if he could call his grandmother.
The NFL’s last CB, who died at age 35 on Monday, went on to play for Indianapolis from 2012-17.
“There’s a little bit of urgency because there’s a storm coming,” Ireland said before referring to the Colts: “They probably want to fly them here pretty quick, okay?
In an attempt to explain the reasons behind the Davis trade, Ireland told the player: “Now listen… you know, Vontae, you’re a little up and down.” You know, we have to get to a small wave where the level of consistency is more consistent, and before you become great, which I think you have the capacity to be, these waves have to be much smaller.
‘OK? That’s probably why they’re trading you. I’m just trying to be transparent with you. I want you to know why it hasn’t worked for us here. I think a lot about you as a person and appreciate that you’ve worked your ass off here as the Miami Dolphins these last three years, and I know you’ll do well.
“Thanks coach,” Davis responded before asking who he was traded to Indianapolis for.
“Well…a couple of choices,” Ireland responded, while Davis seemed incredulous at what he had just heard. The Dolphins received a second-round pick (54th overall) in the 2013 NFL Draft for Davis, only to include it in the trade to select cornerback James Taylor that year. They were also supposed to receive a sixth-round pick, but Davis didn’t play more than 65 percent of the Colts’ defensive snaps in 2012.
Later in the Hard Knocks video, Ireland tells Davis on his way out: ‘Hey, listen. We’ve had some ups and downs, but everything is going to be positive. Alright? I want you to have a great career. It’s OK man?
Miami selected Davis as a first-round pick in the 2009 NFL draft. He played there for three years.
Just before Davis was about to turn the knob on his office door, Ireland told the player, “Hey, look, you can look at this two ways, too.” You know, it can be a very positive thing for you. Alright? So make it positive, okay?
Footage then shows that Davis’ locker was emptied shortly after Ireland broke the trade news to the former two-time Pro Bowler.
Commenting on the resurfaced video, one fan tweeted on Monday: “Heartbreaking, his first thought was to call his grandma.” Another noted: “And he played absolutely great for the Colts in 2014.” A different user said: ‘I’m grateful we got it. Absolute stud.’
Davis played five seasons for the Colts from 2012 to 2017, recording eight combined tackles and a career-high five pass deflections in the Colts’ AFC Divisional Round victory against the Denver Broncos. Indianapolis lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship round.
Davis abruptly retired from the NFL in the middle of the Bills’ second game of the 2018 season, as his teammates recalled a story about Davis leaving the game at halftime.
His grandmother found him dead Monday in his home in Southwest Ranches, Florida. He was 35 years old. While the cause of death is unknown, police say foul play is not suspected, but they will continue the investigation.