'The ultimate touchdown': Friends pay tributes to former NFL tight end Tyrone Davis who died at 50

ALSO READ

Gavin Escobar: Former Dallas Cowboys tight end killed in horrific rock climbing accident at age 31

What is CTE? Ex-Broncos star Demaryius Thomas' death 'a wake-up call' for NFL players: Experts

“This is by far one of the hardest posts to write,” Davis’ older brother, Jeff, wrote on Facebook Monday, October 3. “Last night, the Lord opened up heaven and received my baby brother. This is definitely a tough one for me as this was very unexpected. Tyrone caught many touchdowns in the NCAA and NFL. Last night, he made the ultimate touchdown completion! Take your rest Lil bro. Your race is now complete. Big bro loves you!!” Former Packers offensive tackle Earl Dotson also mourned the loss of his teammate. “This is difficult to post,” Dotson wrote on Facebook. “Rest in paradise teammate. This good man Tyrone Davis fought beside me on the NFL Green Bay Packers for years. Brother forever.”

Virginia Cavaliers beat writer Jerry Ratcliffe spoke to friends and old teammates of Davis in light of his death. “It was truly shocking when I got a text message from Carl Smith on Monday, that Tyrone had passed away,” former teammate Chris Harrison said, “I hadn’t seen him this season, but was looking forward to seeing him this weekend because we are all getting together to honor James Farrior.” Bill Curry Jr, former teammate and a close pal of Davis', told Ratcliffe, “I saw Ty at his most dominant, impressive, physical prowess, and I saw him at his very lowest, and he made me feel exactly the same both times. As much as he suffered the last few years, that smile never left him. His humanity never left him. His kindness was immeasurable. I miss him terribly.”

TOP STORIES

'Nightmare is far from over': Parents say Chloe Campbell, 14, was 'in harm’s way' during her disappearance

Why is Blake Shelton leaving 'The Voice'? Fans beg him to 'reconsider' as OG coach set to quit after 23 seasons

Virginia recruiter Danny Wilmer remembered hunting for the next Herman Moore in the Cavaliers' offense, but there was no turning back once he laid eyes on Davis. “I’ll tell you, he was an imposing figure,” Wilmer said. “If you were on defense, he would put the fear of God in you. He had all the tools you would want for a wide receiver.” Davis would sign with UVA after a year of preparation at Fork Union Military. He did not lose much time before etching his own name in the sport. “Fans expected him to become the next Herman Moore, and that’s what he did,” Wilmer told Ratcliffe.

Davis was eventually slowed down by injuries and the Packers had to let him go before th 2003 season. The football legend is now survived by his mother and four children, namely Maiya Booker, Damien Davis, Jarrett Gomez, and Mariah Gomez. The cause of death was not clear at the time of publication, but he reportedly died from kidney issues.