What Happened to Former NFL Star Davone Bess?

Publish date: 2024-06-17

Davone Bess, a former NFL star, has had an eventful career and life journey. Let's delve into the details of what happened to him.

Early Life and College Career

Davone Bess was born on September 13, 1985, in Hayward, CA, and he was raised in Oakland, California. He attended Skyline High School where he excelled in football under the guidance of coaching legend John Beam. Despite facing challenges that led to the loss of his scholarship offer to Oregon State, he overcame the odds and ultimately attended the University of Hawaii, where he set school records with 293 receptions and 41 touchdowns in just three seasons.

NFL Career

In 2008, despite going undrafted, Bess signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent. He not only made the team but also had a successful rookie season, finishing with 54 receptions, which was the second most in NFL history for an undrafted rookie wideout. He continued to play for the Miami Dolphins until 2012 and then joined the Cleveland Browns in 2013.

Player Statistics

Throughout his NFL career, Bess played 91 games, had 363 receptions, 3,809 receiving yards, and scored 14 touchdowns. His career was marked by both highs and lows, showcasing his talent and determination on the field.

Post-Career Struggles

In recent years, Davone Bess has faced post-career struggles with depression. This candid admission sheds light on the challenges that athletes can face after retiring from professional sports. Bess's openness about his mental health struggles has contributed to discussions about mental wellness in the sports community.

Impact on the Community

Despite the challenges he has faced, Bess's resilience and openness about his struggles have made a significant impact on the sports community. His willingness to share his experiences has helped raise awareness about mental health issues among athletes and the importance of providing support beyond the field.

Davone Bess's journey from a promising high school athlete to a successful NFL career, and subsequently to his post-career struggles, serves as a powerful narrative. His story underscores the importance of mental health awareness and the need for support systems for athletes transitioning out of professional sports. Davone Bess's openness about his personal challenges has contributed to important discussions about mental wellness in the sports world and has made a lasting impact on the community.