Former Washington tight end inducted into Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame
Former Washington tight end inducted into Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame
Former Washington Commanders tight end Vernon Davis was inducted into the 2025 Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame (GGHOF) on Saturday, May 20, 2025. The Hall of Fame is designed to honor players with an outstanding NFL career who made, and also continue to make, an impact off the field.
The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund is a non-profit organization that was founded to provide "financial grants and pro bono medical assistance to retired NFL players in dire need. The organization focuses on the humanitarian side of post-football related issues: social services to retired players who are in need due to a variety of reasons such as, inadequate disability and/or pensions." They help players meet their needs in a variety of ways, whether it's medical bills or utility bills, planning an unexpected funeral or paying for childcare, the fund is there to help retired players who have fallen on hard times.
"Being inducted into the Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame is a profound honor that transcends individual achievement. It's a testament to the collective spirit of every teammate, coach, and mentor who has been part of my journey," said Davis. "This recognition is not just about the touchdowns or the accolades; it's about the impact we have off the field, the lives we touch, and the legacy we leave behind. I'm deeply grateful to be part of this esteemed group and to continue serving those who have given so much to the game."
Davis, who was initially drafted by the San Francisco 49ers and was part of the Denver Broncos' 2016 Super Bowl win, donned burgundy and gold from 2016-2019, officially retiring in 2020. While with the (then) Redskins, Davis appeared in 50 games and caught 122 passes for 1,721 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 14.1 yards per catch. Davis is also a native of Washington, D.C.
Retiring from the NFL was just a step on Davis' journey, and since his retirement, he's been heavily involved in the arts, business, and philanthropy, creating the Vontae Davis Family Foundation.
Along with Davis, Mark Collins, Olin Kreutz, Leonard Marshall, and Gary Henley (CFL) were inducted into the GGHOF at its annual gala on Saturday. Angela Belitnikoff was given the Sylvia Mackey Woman of the Year award, given to a woman making a difference in her community. The Mary Levy Impact Award recognizes the sacrifices made by the military and this year's recipient was Chris Draft.
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