This is possibly the most crucial season of Vontae Davis’ career, and he says he’s healthy and ready to perform at a high level.
Vontae Davis has been a fantastic player for the Colts over the past five seasons developing into a true number-one cornerback while making two Pro Bowls.
However, Davis is coming off of one of his worst seasons as a pro where he had a career-low tackle total, his lowest number of passes defended since 2012, and his lowest interception total since 2013.
Davis was battling multiple injuries throughout the year, which could provide an explanation for his poor play. But he says he’s healthy and ready to go as he heads into the final season of a four-year $36 million contract at age 29.
"“I’m healthy and I’m ready,” Davis said. “If you ask me, I feel like a rookie all over again. I’ve never been this excited for a season.”"
Davis knows exactly what’s at stake heading into 2017 as he needs to prove he can play at a high level once again after a couple of disappointing seasons. He explained that he desperately wants to continue his tenure in Indianapolis, and he’s going to do everything in his power to make that happen.
"“It’s a business and I know how the business works,” he said. “I’m still relatively young in my career, but when it’s all said and done, Indy is always going to have a special place in my heart. It’s a place where I’ve done things that will be remembered for a while. My legacy started here. I can’t put my finger on what the future holds, but this is home for me. The rest is out of my control.”"
General manager Chris Ballard has spent this offseason rebuilding a defense that ranked 29th overall last season according to Football Outsiders.
That rebuild has begun by focusing on acquiring young talent in the secondary spending their first two draft picks on defensive backs this offseason.
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Vontae Davis sees himself as a leader for rookies Malik Hooker and Quincy Wilson, and he wants to be a role model for young players like Champ Bailey was for him entering the league.
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There will be plenty of pressure on Davis heading into this contract year as he recovers from injury and helps these young players begin their careers. But it sounds like he has a good mindset entering the year, and hopefully his personal success can bring team success along with it.