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Terrell Davis
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Terrell Lamar Davis (born October 28, 1972) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL) from 1995 to 2001. He is the Broncos all-time leading rusher and still holds the record for most touchdowns in a single postseason (eight), which he achieved in 1997. He is also credited with starting the "Mile High Salute", a celebratory tradition among Denver Broncos players after scoring a touchdown. Davis was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017. Despite his short seven-year tenure (with four full seasons), Davis is often regarded as one of the greatest running backs of all time.[1]
Key Information
Davis was selected by the Broncos in the sixth round (196th pick overall) of the 1995 NFL draft. He is the Denver Broncos' all-time leading rusher, with 7,607 rushing yards. Davis still holds the NFL record for most rushing touchdowns in a single postseason, scoring eight in the 1997 playoffs, culminating in him winning the Super Bowl MVP award.[2] In 1998, he became only the fourth NFL player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season. As a player, he was given the nickname "T. D." by players, fans and the media; this denoted both the initials of his first and last name as well as being an abbreviation for touchdown.
Early life
[edit]Davis was born to nurse Kateree Davis, a mother of eight children, and father Joe Davis. His father died when Terrell was 14 years old.[3]
In his senior year at Lincoln High School, the coaches gave him a chance at fullback, in a three-back formation.[4][5] He was given playing time in other positions, including kicker, and helped lead his team to a 12–2 record. Davis set the Lincoln Prep record in the discus throw as a member of the track team. After graduation, Davis went on to play baseball at Long Beach State University. His brother Reggie Webb was a tailback there before him, and he persuaded the school to grant Davis a scholarship.[6]
College career
[edit]At Long Beach State, Davis joined the football team that was coached by former Washington Redskins coach George Allen. He redshirted his freshman year in order to give him an extra year of eligibility. Davis never played an official game for coach Allen because Allen died after the end of the 1990 season. Davis played the following season and rushed for 262 yards on 55 carries.
Long Beach State eliminated its football program due to budget concerns at the end of the 1991 season. Davis transferred to the University of Georgia. During his first season with the Bulldogs, Davis backed up future NFL starting running back Garrison Hearst. After Hearst graduated, Davis became the top running back during the 1993 season, and rushed for 824 yards on 167 carries. Davis' senior season at Georgia got off to a rocky start when he aggravated a tear in his hamstring muscle against Tennessee early in the season, which took him out of the lineup for three games. Davis ran for 445 yards on 67 carries that year, but in his last two games, he rushed for 113 and 121 yards, respectively. After the season, he was invited to the Blue–Gray Football Classic game. Davis' reputation for being injury-prone hurt his standing in the NFL draft, along with the fact that Coach Goff denied scouts game film of Davis.[6] Davis graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Consumer Economics.
Statistics
[edit]| Season | Rushing | Receiving | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | ||
| Long Beach State 49ers | |||||||||||
| 1990 |  Redshirted
| ||||||||||
| 1991 | 55 | 262 | 4.8 | 48 | 2 | 4 | 92 | 23.0 | 75 | 1 | |
| Georgia Bulldogs | |||||||||||
| 1992 | 53 | 388 | 7.3 | 61 | 3 | 3 | 38 | 12.7 | 23 | 1 | |
| 1993 | 167 | 824 | 4.9 | 42 | 5 | 12 | 161 | 13.4 | 57 | 3 | |
| 1994 | 97 | 445 | 4.6 | 25 | 6 | 31 | 330 | 10.6 | 46 | 0 | |
| Career | 372 | 1,919 | 5.4 | 61 | 16 | 50 | 621 | 14.9 | 75 | 5 | |
Professional career
[edit]| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Vertical jump | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 ft 11+5⁄8 in (1.82 m) |
213 lb (97 kg) |
30+7⁄8 in (0.78 m) |
9 in (0.23 m) |
4.72 s | 1.70 s | 2.74 s | 4.41 s | 35 in (0.89 m) | ||||
| All values from the 1995 NFL Combine[7] | ||||||||||||
In 1995, newly appointed Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan drafted Davis in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL Draft.[8] Davis entered training camp as the sixth string tailback and was a longshot to make the team. He managed to impress the Broncos coaching staff after his second pre-season game, most notably with a crushing hit as a member of special teams. Davis kept improving with each pre-season game and was promoted to starting running back for the season's opening game.[6] With Davis at running back, the Broncos possessed the potent running attack that they had previously lacked. Davis started 14 games during the 1995 season, carrying the ball 237 times, averaging 4.7 yards per run, and scoring eight touchdowns. Davis finished his season with a total of 1,117 rushing yards, becoming the lowest drafted player to ever gain over 1,000 yards rushing in his rookie season.
In 1996, Davis signed, what was at that time a lucrative new five-year contract with the Broncos that was worth $6.8 million. That season, he rushed for a total of 1,538 yards and set a Denver Broncos record for rushing touchdowns with 13. The Broncos ended that season with a 13–3 record, tied with the Green Bay Packers for the best in the NFL that year. In the postseason, Davis ran for 6.5 yards per attempt in a loss to Jacksonville. Davis was selected as a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl for the first of three consecutive seasons.
1997, Super Bowl XXXII
[edit]In 1997, Davis broke his own records with 1,750 yards and a league-leading 15 rushing touchdowns. The 12–4 Broncos again faced Jacksonville in their first playoff game; this time Davis had 184 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns in the 42–17 blowout. By rushing for over 100 yards rushing in all four of Denver's postseason games, Davis joined John Riggins as the only player to rush for over 100 yards a game four times in a single postseason. Additionally, Davis was named Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl XXXII against the then-world champion Green Bay Packers, with 157 rushing yards and a Super Bowl record three rushing touchdowns despite having to sit out the second quarter due to a migraine. Prior to this 31–24 victory, the Broncos had lost each of their four previous Super Bowl appearances, and the AFC had a 13-year losing streak.
1998, Super Bowl XXXIII
[edit]In 1998, Davis rushed for 2,008 yards becoming a member of the 2000 rushing yards club, the fourth-highest rushing total in history at the time. This performance earned him league MVP honors, his third straight AFC rushing title, his first NFL rushing title, and his second time being named NFL Offensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. At the end of the season, the Broncos beat the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII, with Davis recording 102 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards.
Super Bowl XXXIII was the last postseason game in which Davis would play. In his 8 postseason games from 1996 to 1998, his numbers were staggering: 204 carries for 1,140 yards and 12 touchdowns, along with 19 receptions for 131 yards. This included a streak of 7 consecutive games with over 100 rushing yards, all of which the Broncos won, breaking the previous record for consecutive 100 rushing yard postseason games held by John Riggins (6). Even in the sole playoff game in which Davis didn't gain 100 rushing yards, he still had an impressive performance, rushing for 91 yards and a touchdown and catching 7 passes for 27 yards.
Davis was sent to the Pro Bowl in the 1996, 1997, and 1998 seasons. Nicknamed "TD", Davis popularized the "Mile High Salute", a military-style salute given to fans and teammates in celebration of a touchdown; Davis explained in 2017 that he felt the "mentality" needed to play running back was similar to that for soldiers, and the gesture was a "sign of respect" for service members.[9]
Later career
[edit]After the 1998 season, Davis was plagued with injuries and saw action infrequently. In 1999, Davis tore the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament of his right knee while trying to make a tackle on an interception thrown against the New York Jets, during the fourth game of the season. This injury kept him out for the remainder of the year.[10]
In the 2000 season, Davis was sidelined for all but five games because of a stress reaction injury in his lower leg. In 2001, he only played in eight games because of arthroscopic surgery on both knees.[10]
Davis retired during the preseason of 2002. He walked through the tunnel in uniform for the final time during a preseason Denver–San Francisco 49ers matchup held at Invesco Field at Mile High. To a standing ovation, he gave a mile-high salute to the fans and was hugged by his teammates. After walking to midfield as the lone Broncos player at the coin toss, Davis retreated to the sideline. He spent the second half in street clothes. The following week, upon his request, he was placed on injured reserve, ending his season and effectively ending his career.[10]
Through his first four seasons, Davis rushed for 6,413 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and 56 touchdowns. Among the 24 modern-era Hall of Fame halfbacks and fullbacks, only Earl Campbell (6,457, 4.6 yards per carry) and Eric Dickerson (6,968, 4.8 yards per carry) had more rushing yards during their first four seasons; no member of the Hall of Fame matched Davis' first-four-season 56 rushing touchdowns. Davis was selected for ESPN's All-Time 40-Man Super Bowl roster as a running back for his performances in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII.
Overall, Davis finished his seven NFL seasons with 7,607 rushing yards, 169 receptions for 1,280 yards, and 65 touchdowns (60 rushing and 5 receiving). He, John Elway, and Peyton Manning are the only three Broncos to be named league MVP. Davis is one of only six players ever to rush for more than 1,000 yards in the postseason (1,140), and out of the six he is the only one to do so in a career that lasted less than 12 seasons. Davis finished his career with 12 playoff rushing touchdowns, good for fourth all-time tied with Marshawn Lynch and John Riggins.[11]
Honors and awards
[edit]
In 2004, Davis was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame.[12] Davis was one of the semifinalists for the 2007 Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.[13]
On July 27, 2007, it was announced that Davis would be inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.[14] His induction ceremony took place at Invesco Field at Mile High on September 23, 2007, in a Broncos home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In 2006, Davis was inducted into the Breitbard Hall of Fame.[15] On February 7, 2016, Davis and John Elway served as the Broncos' honorary captains at Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, California. They also appeared at the pre-game ceremony honoring the past 50 Super Bowl MVPs. Davis was also one of the players who did the Trophy Presentation when the Broncos won the Super Bowl. On August 4, 2017, Davis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his eleventh year of eligibility.
NFL career statistics
[edit]| Legend | |
|---|---|
| AP NFL MVP & OPOTY | |
| AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year | |
| Super Bowl MVP | |
| Won the Super Bowl | |
| NFL record | |
| Led the league | |
| Bold | Career high |
Regular season
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Rushing | Receiving | Fumbles | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | ||
| 1995 | DEN | 14 | 14 | 237 | 1,117 | 4.7 | 60 | 7 | 49 | 367 | 7.5 | 31 | 1 | 5 | 2 |
| 1996 | DEN | 16 | 16 | 345 | 1,538 | 4.5 | 71 | 13 | 36 | 310 | 8.6 | 23 | 2 | 5 | 3 |
| 1997 | DEN | 15 | 15 | 369 | 1,750 | 4.7 | 50 | 15 | 42 | 287 | 6.8 | 25 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| 1998 | DEN | 16 | 16 | 392 | 2,008 | 5.1 | 70 | 21 | 25 | 217 | 8.7 | 35 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 1999 | DEN | 4 | 4 | 67 | 211 | 3.1 | 26 | 2 | 3 | 26 | 8.7 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2000 | DEN | 5 | 5 | 78 | 282 | 3.6 | 24 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2.0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2001 | DEN | 8 | 8 | 167 | 701 | 4.2 | 57 | 0 | 12 | 69 | 5.8 | 16 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Career | 78 | 78 | 1,655 | 7,607 | 4.6 | 71 | 60 | 169 | 1,280 | 7.6 | 35 | 5 | 20 | 8 | |
Postseason
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Rushing | Receiving | Fumbles | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | ||
| 1996 | DEN | 1 | 1 | 14 | 91 | 6.5 | 47 | 1 | 7 | 27 | 3.4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1997 | DEN | 4 | 4 | 112 | 581 | 5.2 | 59 | 8 | 8 | 38 | 4.8 | 17 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| 1998 | DEN | 3 | 3 | 78 | 468 | 6.0 | 62 | 3 | 4 | 69 | 17.2 | 39 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2000 | DEN | Did not play due to injury | |||||||||||||
| Career | 8 | 8 | 204 | 1,140 | 5.6 | 62 | 12 | 19 | 134 | 7.1 | 39 | 0 | 4 | 2 | |
Franchise records
[edit]As of the 2018 NFL off-season, Terrell Davis held at least 46 Broncos franchise records, including:
- Rush Attempts: career (1,655), season (392 in 1998), game (42 on 1997-10-26 @BUF), playoffs (204), playoff season (112 in 1997), playoff game (32 on 1999-01-17 NYJ)
- Rush Yards: career (7,607), season (2,008 in 1998), playoffs (1,140), playoff season (581 in 1997), playoff game (199 on 1999-01-09 MIA)
- Rush Yds/Att: playoffs (5.59), playoff game (9.48 on 1999-01-09 MIA)
- Rushing TDs: career (60), season (21 in 1998), playoffs (12), playoff season (8 in 1997), playoff game (3 on 1998-01-25 NGNB)
- Rush Yds/Game: season (125.5 in 1998), playoffs (142.5), playoff season (156 in 1998)
- Total TDs: season (23 in 1998), playoffs (12), playoff season (8 in 1997), playoff game (3 on 1998-01-25 NGNB)
- Yds from Scrimmage: season (2,225 in 1998), playoffs (1,271), playoff season (619 in 1997), playoff game (206 on 1999-01-09 MIA)
- All Purpose Yds: season (2,225 in 1998), playoffs (1,271), playoff season (619 in 1997), playoff game (206 on 1999-01-09 MIA)
- 100+ yard rushing games: career (41), season (14 in 1997, 1998), playoffs (7)
- Games with 1+ TD scored: season (15 in 1997, 1998), playoffs (7)
- Games with 2+ TD scored: career (19), season (8 in 1998), playoffs (4)
- Games with 3+ TD scored: career (7), season (3 in 1998), playoffs (1), rookie season (1; with Jon Keyworth, Mike Anderson, and Clinton Portis)
- Seasons with 1000+ rushing yards: career (4)
NFL records
[edit]- Most rushing touchdowns in a single postseason: (8 in 1997)[2]
- Only player in NFL history with 2,000+ rushing yards and 20+ rushing touchdowns in a single season
- First 2,000+ yard rusher to win Super Bowl in same season
- Highest career average yards per postseason game with 142.5: (1995–2001)
- Second most rushing yards in a season including playoffs, 1998 with 2,476 yards[16]
- Consecutive 100 yard rushing games in playoffs: (7 from 1997 to 1998)
Television career
[edit]After playing in the NFL, Davis worked for NFL Network as a correspondent and studio host for NFL Total Access. He also served as a color commentator for some NFL Europe games covered by NFL Network.
Other appearances
[edit]Davis appeared on Sesame Street in a skit with Elmo, Telly Monster, and a talking football.[17] Elmo called Davis "the man" and Davis responded, "Thank you, thank you. I try!" The episode was filmed in December 1998 in New York, and Davis said on the episode of America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions profiling the 1998 Broncos that he was originally supposed to film the episode the day after Denver's week 15 matchup with the New York Giants which was played in Giants Stadium in New Jersey. The plan was for Davis to stay behind in New York for the day while the rest of the team flew home, assuming that the Broncos would win. However, because the Giants defeated the Broncos, Davis had to return to Denver for a Monday practice/film session with the team and then fly back to New York the next day to film his parts.
Davis guest-starred on Disney Channel's The Jersey, in an episode called "They Say It's Your Birthday" along with other sports stars Shannon Sharpe, Tim Brown, Hardy Nickerson, and Tony Siragusa. The episode originally aired on October 21, 2000.
Davis appeared on the season 5 finale of the sitcom Sister, Sister at the twins' graduation to give a speech.
Davis appeared on the August 29, 2008 episode of The Colbert Report to analyze the acceptance speech given by U.S. Democratic Party nominee Barack Obama at Invesco Field at Mile High a day earlier.
In 2023, Davis made a special guest appearance on an episode of Paramount Network's Bar Rescue, hosted by Jon Taffer, along with current NFL players Courtland Sutton, Justin Simmons, Kareem Jackson, and Bradley Chubb.
Personal life
[edit]Davis resides in Temecula, California, with his wife Tamiko Nash. They have three children: sons Jackson and Myles, and daughter Dylan.[18] He wrote an autobiography, TD: Dreams in Motion, after his first Super Bowl victory. A chapter was later added to the book covering his NFL MVP season and second championship win.
Davis was on the cover of the video game NFL GameDay 99 by 989 Sports. He made an appearance in Madden NFL 2006, serving as the player's mentor in the new NFL Superstar Mode and adds his voice to the game.
Legal disputes
[edit]In 2001, Davis was named in the Atlanta's Gold Club federal prostitution, fraud and racketeering trial. The owner, Steve Kaplan, initially denied accusations of arranging dancers for athletes, claiming that he was unaware of any sexual encounters.[19] Employee Jana Pelnis testified that she had sex with Davis in the club. Kaplan later pleaded guilty and was fined $5 million.[20] A sentence of three years in jail was put on the table, but Kaplan instead received a sentence of 16 months and 400 hours of community service.[21] Davis was never charged with any criminal wrongdoing. However, Campbell Soups dropped him from their advertising shortly thereafter.
In September 2006, Davis filed a lawsuit against Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Co. for breach of contract over its refusal to defend him in a lawsuit related to a tussle at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. In the lawsuit against the hotel, Davis claimed he was assaulted by two bouncers during a party at the hotel's Tropicana Bar in October 2005. Davis said he suffered a bruised neck and damage to a surgically repaired hip.[22] Davis and the insurance company reached a settlement, so the case was dismissed in January 2007.
In July 2024, Davis was accused of hitting a United Airlines flight attendant while traveling with his wife and children from Denver. When the plane arrived at John Wayne Airport in California, an FBI agent placed him in handcuffs and removed him from the plane. After interviewing Davis and other passengers, the FBI released him from custody when it was determined the flight attendant had made an inaccurate accusation.[23] United apologized for the incident and claimed it took the flight attendant "out of rotation" while the matter was investigated.[24][25] On July 23, Davis' legal team released a video of their client being removed from the plane and said it would be filing a lawsuit against United.[26][27] By July 30, United said the flight attendant was no longer employed with the company and Davis had been removed from its no-fly list.[28]
References
[edit]- ^ "Gil Brandt's 25 greatest NFL running backs of all time". NFL.com.
- ^ a b "NFL Rushing Touchdowns Single-Season Playoffs Leaders". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 4, 2019.
- ^ "Mama's Boy Growing up with five older brothers and an ex-con father made TERRELL DAVIS tough. But it took a remarkable mother to give him the strength to transform himself from aimless delinquent to Super Bowl MVP". Sports Illustrated Vault | Si.com.
- ^ Harris, Craig (September 28, 2024) [September 28, 2024]. "Lincoln High School's football program went from key to the city for its on-field success to being homeless". ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
- ^ "Lincoln High Wins Football State Championship". sandiegounified.org. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
- ^ a b c "TD: Dreams in Motion" by Terrell Davis & Adam Schefter (HarperTorch 1999)
- ^ "Terrell Davis | Combine Results | RB - Georgia". nflcombineresults.com.
- ^ "1995 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
- ^ Jhabvala, Nicki (August 5, 2017). "Terrell Davis, Hall of Famer, explains his signature Mile High Salute". The Denver Post. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Davis Says Goodbye". usatoday.com. August 20, 2002. Retrieved February 3, 2014.
- ^ "NFL Rushing Touchdowns Career Leaders". pro-football-reference.com. Pro Football Reference. February 11, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
- ^ "Colorado Sports Hall of Fame". coloradosports.org. November 4, 1964. Archived from the original on March 1, 2007. Retrieved February 3, 2014.
- ^ "Matthews, Davis and McDaniel make Hall semifinalist list". ESPN. Associated Press. November 16, 2006. Retrieved February 3, 2014.
- ^ Williamson, Bill (July 27, 2007). "Davis to join Broncos' Ring of Fame". The Denver Post (May 7, 2016 ed.). Retrieved June 21, 2023.
- ^ "San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum". sdhoc.com. Archived from the original on February 23, 2014. Retrieved February 3, 2014.
- ^ "Most Rushing Yards In A Season Including Playoffs". StatMuse. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
- ^ "Celebrity Guest rub shoulders with Big Bird and friends". sesameworkshop.org. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007.
- ^ Klis, Mike (August 6, 2017). "Terrell Davis delivers commanding Hall of Fame speech". USA TODAY. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
- ^ "NBA star Ewing testifies at strip club trial". CNN.com. July 23, 2001. Archived from the original on April 14, 2009. Retrieved January 16, 2013.
- ^ "Strip club boss cops plea in rackets trial". CNN.com. August 2, 2001. Archived from the original on July 18, 2009. Retrieved January 16, 2013.
- ^ "Ex-Gold Club owner gets 16 months". CNN.com. January 8, 2002. Archived from the original on December 28, 2009. Retrieved January 16, 2013.
- ^ "Terrell Settles Insurance Lawsuit". The Denver Post. Associated Press. January 26, 2007. Retrieved February 3, 2014.
- ^ Sarles, Jesse; Gionet, Alan (July 16, 2024). "Denver Broncos Hall of Famer Terrell Davis "in shock" after he was placed in handcuffs on United Airlines flight - CBS Colorado". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
- ^ Hoffman, Kelsie; Tak, Michelle; Triay, Andres; Krupnik, Kathryn; Cleave, Kris Van (July 17, 2024). "Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis on being handcuffed and removed from a United flight: "I felt powerless" - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
- ^ Sarles, Jesse (July 17, 2024). "Terrell Davis's lawyers send letter to United, say airline has not yet "righted wrong" done to former Broncos star - CBS Colorado". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
- ^ Sarles, Jesse (July 23, 2024). "Terrell Davis' lawyer releases video of United plane handcuffing incident, announces plans to sue airline - CBS Colorado". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
- ^ Mendoza, James Powel and Jordan. "Video shows ex-Bronco Terrell Davis taken off United flight in cuffs, lawyers promise suit". USA TODAY. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
- ^ Bishop, Sydney; Hannah, Jack; Widman, Carmen Conte (July 30, 2024). "Terrell Davis incident: United Airlines says flight attendant is no longer employed; 'no fly' status has been lifted". CNN. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
External links
[edit]
- Official website
- Career statistics from NFL.com · ESPN · CBS Sports · Yahoo Sports · Sports Illustrated · Pro Football Reference
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
Terrell Davis
View on GrokipediaEarly Life and Background
Childhood and Family
Terrell Lamar Davis was born on October 28, 1972, in San Diego, California, to parents Joe Davis and Kateree Davis.[5][4] He grew up as the youngest of six brothers in a working-class family, where his mother worked long hours as a nurse to provide for them, often taking double shifts.[2][6] His father, Joe, who had a history of incarceration, enforced strict discipline in the household and took primary responsibility for the younger boys after separating from Kateree around 1980.[7][8] Joe Davis died in 1986 at age 41 from complications of lupus, leaving 14-year-old Terrell without his primary disciplinarian and contributing to a period of aimlessness and minor delinquency in his early adolescence.[9][10][7] Kateree Davis assumed full responsibility for raising the boys, instilling resilience and focus that Davis later credited for his personal transformation and success.[2][6] One of his older brothers, Reggie Webb, influenced his football path by playing tailback at California State University, Long Beach, and advocating for Terrell's recruitment there.[11] Davis began playing organized football at age seven in local Pop Warner leagues, an early outlet amid the challenges of his family environment in San Diego's urban neighborhoods.[4] The competitive dynamic with his five older brothers fostered toughness, though the household's instability after his father's death tested his direction until high school athletics provided structure.[7][9]High School Career
Davis transferred to Abraham Lincoln High School in San Diego, California, during his sophomore year after earlier setbacks in football and academics, including quitting the sport following his father's death and associating with problematic peers.[12] At Lincoln, a smaller school environment, he reconnected with childhood friends, attended summer school to boost his grades, and rejoined the football team under coaches including Vic Player, crediting the program for providing the structure and support needed for a turnaround.[12][6] As a member of the class of 1990, Davis contributed across multiple positions, with his coaches shifting him to fullback during his senior year to leverage his versatility, which also included kicking duties.[2] In that senior season, he helped lead the team to a 12-2 record, demonstrating improved dedication amid a backdrop where he was not yet a dominant standout but gained valuable experience that informed his later development.[4] Despite his efforts, Davis received limited recruiting attention post-high school, prompting him to pursue opportunities at the junior college level.[2]College Career
Long Beach State
Davis enrolled at California State University, Long Beach (commonly known as Long Beach State) in 1990 after being recruited by head coach George Allen, who nicknamed him "Secretariat" in reference to the famed racehorse.[13] He redshirted his freshman year, preserving a year of eligibility while adjusting to college-level play.[13] In the 1991 season, Davis played in five games for the 49ers, rushing for 262 yards on an unspecified number of attempts, marking his initial collegiate production amid a limited role on the team.[13] Notably, he shared the backfield experience with his brother, Reggie Webb, a fellow running back on the roster, which Davis later described as a cherished family aspect of his early college tenure.[13] Long Beach State's football program, which had operated since 1957, faced mounting financial shortfalls, declining attendance, and escalating operational costs, leading university administrators to disband it entirely after the 1991 season.[13] [14] With no option to remain, Davis transferred to the University of Georgia to continue his career, departing a program that produced limited standout opportunities during his brief stint.[13]University of Georgia
Davis transferred to the University of Georgia in 1992 after completing his freshman season at Long Beach State University.[15] During his initial year with the Bulldogs, he primarily served as a backup to incumbent starter Garrison Hearst, limiting his playing time. In 1993, Davis assumed a starting role and posted his most productive season at Georgia, rushing for 824 yards on 167 carries with five touchdowns.[16] The following year, in 1994, injuries restricted his output to 445 rushing yards and six touchdowns despite increased goal-line opportunities.[17] Over his three seasons (1992–1994), Davis compiled 1,657 career rushing yards for the Bulldogs, a total that ranked 19th in program history as of 2017.[17] His tenure was frequently interrupted by injuries, including a hamstring strain in 1994 that coaching staff, under head coach Ray Goff, questioned as potentially exaggerated, leading to internal tensions.[18] These setbacks contributed to inconsistent production and his availability as a sixth-round NFL draft pick in 1995.[19]Statistical Overview
Terrell Davis accumulated 1,919 rushing yards on 372 carries for an average of 5.2 yards per carry and 16 rushing touchdowns over his college career, split between Long Beach State (1991) and the University of Georgia (1992–1994).[20] He also recorded 50 receptions for 621 yards and 5 receiving touchdowns, demonstrating versatility as a receiving back.[20] His production increased after transferring to Georgia, where he became a primary option in 1993 before a knee injury limited his efficiency in 1994 despite solid volume.[20] The following table details his year-by-year rushing and receiving statistics:| Year | School | Games | Rush Att | Rush Yds | Rush Avg | Rush TD | Rec | Rec Yds | Rec Avg | Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Long Beach St. | 5 | 55 | 262 | 4.8 | 2 | 4 | 92 | 23.0 | 1 |
| 1992 | Georgia | 10 | 53 | 388 | 7.3 | 3 | 3 | 38 | 12.7 | 1 |
| 1993 | Georgia | 11 | 167 | 824 | 4.9 | 5 | 12 | 161 | 13.4 | 3 |
| 1994 | Georgia | 11 | 97 | 445 | 4.6 | 6 | 31 | 330 | 10.6 | 0 |
| Career | 37 | 372 | 1,919 | 5.2 | 16 | 50 | 621 | 12.4 | 5 |
NFL Professional Career
Draft and Rookie Season (1995)
Davis was selected by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round, 196th overall, of the 1995 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia.[2][21] The Broncos, under new head coach Mike Shanahan, viewed Davis as a developmental prospect behind established running backs, including veterans like Garrison Hearst.[22] In his rookie season, Davis appeared in 14 games, starting all 14, after earning opportunities through strong preseason performances and injuries to other backs on the depth chart.[23] He recorded 237 rushing attempts for 1,117 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, with seven rushing touchdowns.[24][25] Davis also contributed through the air, catching passes for additional yards and one receiving touchdown, totaling eight touchdowns for the year.[24] His 1,117 rushing yards ranked him among the league's top performers, marking the second-most total yards from scrimmage by a rookie that season at 1,484.[2] The Broncos finished 8-8 in 1995, missing the playoffs, but Davis's emergence provided a glimpse of his burst speed and vision, setting the stage for his rapid ascent in subsequent years.[2]Breakthrough and Peak Years (1996-1998)
In 1996, Davis emerged as a foundational element of the Denver Broncos' offense under head coach Mike Shanahan, transitioning from a rotational role in his rookie year to the primary ball carrier. He recorded 345 rushing attempts for 1,538 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, and scored 13 rushing touchdowns, contributing to the team's 13-3 regular-season record and AFC West title.[5][26] His output earned him selection to the Pro Bowl, First-team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press, and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.[21][2] Davis elevated his performance in 1997, handling 369 carries for 1,750 yards at a 4.7-yard average and 15 rushing touchdowns, leading the NFL in both rushing yards and touchdowns while powering the Broncos to a 12-4 record.[5][27] These totals marked the second consecutive year of Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro recognition, underscoring his dominance in a zone-blocking scheme that maximized his vision and burst.[21] His regular-season efficiency complemented postseason efforts, where he set an NFL record with eight rushing touchdowns across four games.[2] The 1998 season represented Davis's apex, as he rushed 392 times for 2,008 yards—an NFL single-season record at the time—at 5.1 yards per carry, adding 21 rushing touchdowns to lead the league in both categories and propel the Broncos to a 14-2 finish.[5][2] He received the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award, his second Offensive Player of the Year honor, third Pro Bowl nod, and another First-team All-Pro selection.[21] Over these three seasons, Davis accumulated 5,296 rushing yards, the most in NFL history for any three-year span at that point.[28]| Year | Carries | Yards | Yards per Carry | Rushing TDs | NFL Rushing Yards Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 345 | 1,538 | 4.5 | 13 | 3rd |
| 1997 | 369 | 1,750 | 4.7 | 15 | 1st |
| 1998 | 392 | 2,008 | 5.1 | 21 | 1st |
Super Bowl XXXII and 1997 MVP Season
In the 1997 NFL season, Terrell Davis rushed for 1,750 yards on 369 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt, while scoring a league-leading 15 rushing touchdowns, contributing significantly to the Denver Broncos' 12-4 regular-season record and their first-round bye in the playoffs.[2][5] He also added 36 receptions for 287 yards and one receiving touchdown, demonstrating versatility in the Broncos' offense led by quarterback John Elway.[5] Davis earned First-Team All-Pro honors and his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection, with his consistent production—exceeding 100 rushing yards in nine games—forming the backbone of Denver's ground attack that ranked among the league's most effective.[2] Davis's dominance extended into the postseason, where he set an NFL record with eight rushing touchdowns over three games, including two against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the divisional round (199 yards on 25 carries) and two more in the AFC Championship Game victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers (50 yards on 13 carries). This output propelled the Broncos to Super Bowl XXXII on January 25, 1998, against the defending champion Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.[2] In the Super Bowl, Davis overcame a severe migraine headache—exacerbated by altitude adjustment and dehydration—that sidelined him for the entire second quarter, yet he returned to rush for 157 yards on 30 carries and score three touchdowns, including a 1-yard run in the third quarter and two more in the fourth to secure a 31-24 upset victory for Denver.[29][2] His performance, which included a Super Bowl-record three rushing touchdowns at the time, earned him Super Bowl MVP honors, underscoring his critical role in the Broncos' first championship win in franchise history.[2] The game highlighted Davis's resilience and burst, as the Broncos' defense, coordinated by Greg Robinson, held Green Bay's high-powered offense to 24 points despite Brett Favre's efforts.Super Bowl XXXIII and 1998 2,000-Yard Rush
In the 1998 NFL season, Terrell Davis led the league with 2,008 rushing yards on 392 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt, while scoring a league-high 23 rushing touchdowns in 16 games for the Denver Broncos.[5][30] This performance marked him as only the fourth player in NFL history to eclipse 2,000 rushing yards in a single season, joining O. J. Simpson (1973), Eric Dickerson (1984), and later emulated by others like Jamal Lewis (2003).[31] Davis achieved the milestone in the regular-season finale against the Seattle Seahawks on December 27, 1998, entering the game with 1,971 yards and needing 29 more; he carried 13 times for 53 yards to surpass the mark.[32] Despite sitting out portions of several games to manage his workload—equivalent to about eight quarters of inactivity—he maintained an average of 125.5 yards per game, powering the Broncos to a 14-2 record and the AFC's top seed.[26] His dominance earned him the NFL Most Valuable Player Award, his second straight first-team All-Pro selection, and a third consecutive Pro Bowl invitation.[2] Davis's rushing prowess anchored a Broncos offense that ranked second in the NFL in total yards (6,092) and points scored (463), complementing quarterback John Elway's passing game en route to home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.[5] In the postseason, he continued his productivity, rushing for 199 yards and two touchdowns across two AFC playoff wins: a 38-3 divisional rout of the Miami Dolphins on January 10, 1999, and a 23-10 victory over the New York Jets in the AFC Championship on January 17, 1999.[30] These efforts extended his streak of seven consecutive playoff games with at least 100 rushing yards, a testament to his reliability in high-stakes scenarios despite the physical toll of his 392-carry regular season.[2] The season culminated in Super Bowl XXXIII on January 31, 1999, at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, where the Broncos defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-19 to secure their second straight NFL championship.[2] Davis contributed 102 rushing yards on 21 carries, including a 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter that extended Denver's lead to 17-3, though he shared the backfield workload with Howard Griffith amid a balanced offensive attack led by Elway's two touchdown passes and the team's defensive stands.[5][30] His performance, while not matching his Super Bowl XXXII heroics (157 yards, three touchdowns, MVP), underscored the Broncos' repeat success, with Davis becoming one of just three players to rush for over 100 yards in each of the prior two Super Bowls.[2] The victory capped a dominant two-year playoff run for Davis, who amassed 1,389 postseason rushing yards from 1997-1998, but foreshadowed challenges ahead as accumulated wear began to surface.[26]Injuries, Decline, and Later Years (1999-2001)
Davis suffered a severe right knee injury on October 3, 1999, during a Week 4 loss to the New York Jets, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and cartilage.[33] [34] The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season after reconstructive surgery performed by orthopedic specialists Richard Steadman and Richard Hawkins.[35] In four games prior to the injury, Davis recorded 67 rushing attempts for 211 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 3.1 yards per carry—a marked drop from his prior seasons' efficiency.[5] The 2000 season brought further setbacks, with Davis missing the first eight games due to a severely sprained left ankle and foot sustained in the opener, followed by a stress reaction in his lower leg that limited him overall.[36] He appeared in only five games, managing 78 carries for 282 yards and two scores at 3.6 yards per attempt, as the cumulative toll of prior knee damage began manifesting in reduced durability.[5] By 2001, ongoing right knee swelling prompted arthroscopic surgery on September 20, exacerbating degenerative arthritis developed since the 1999 tear.[37] Despite returning for eight games, Davis rushed 167 times for 701 yards with no touchdowns, achieving a career-reasonable 4.2 yards per carry but failing to score from scrimmage—a stark contrast to his peak output.[5] Midway through the season, on October 29, he publicly considered retirement amid persistent pain, though he continued playing.[38] Over these three years, injuries restricted him to 17 total games, accelerating his decline from MVP-caliber dominance.[2]| Season | Games Played | Attempts | Yards | Yards/Attempt | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 4 | 67 | 211 | 3.1 | 2 |
| 2000 | 5 | 78 | 282 | 3.6 | 2 |
| 2001 | 8 | 167 | 701 | 4.2 | 0 |
Retirement (2002)
In August 2002, Terrell Davis, then 29 years old, informed the Denver Broncos of his decision to retire from the NFL after seven seasons, citing the cumulative toll of chronic knee injuries that had limited his play and required extensive rehabilitation.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">Career Statistics and Records
Regular Season Performance
Terrell Davis's regular season performance with the Denver Broncos from 1995 to 2001 featured explosive production in his prime, followed by diminished output due to knee injuries. Over 78 games, he accumulated 7,607 rushing yards on 1,655 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt, with 60 rushing touchdowns.[5] He complemented his ground game with 169 receptions for 1,280 yards and 5 receiving touchdowns, demonstrating versatility as a receiving back.[5] His efficiency and volume in peak years established him as one of the NFL's premier rushers, though chronic injuries curtailed his later statistics.[26] Davis's rookie season in 1995 yielded 1,117 yards and 7 touchdowns on 237 carries, marking a strong debut after missing time with a hamstring injury.[5] He elevated his game in 1996 with 1,538 yards and 13 scores, followed by a breakout 1997 campaign of 1,750 yards and a league-leading 15 rushing touchdowns.[5] His apex came in 1998, when he rushed for 2,008 yards—the fourth 2,000-yard season in NFL history—and 21 touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards per carry over 392 attempts.[5][26] Injuries limited him to 67 carries for 211 yards in 1999, and he managed only 282 yards in 2000 before a more productive but touchdown-less 701 yards in his final 2001 season.[5]| Year | Games | Rush Att | Rush Yds | Rush TD | YPC | Rec | Rec Yds | Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 14 | 237 | 1,117 | 7 | 4.7 | 49 | 367 | 1 |
| 1996 | 16 | 345 | 1,538 | 13 | 4.5 | 36 | 310 | 2 |
| 1997 | 15 | 369 | 1,750 | 15 | 4.7 | 42 | 287 | 0 |
| 1998 | 16 | 392 | 2,008 | 21 | 5.1 | 25 | 217 | 2 |
| 1999 | 4 | 67 | 211 | 2 | 3.1 | 3 | 26 | 0 |
| 2000 | 8 | 78 | 282 | 2 | 3.6 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| 2001 | 5 | 167 | 701 | 0 | 4.2 | 12 | 69 | 0 |
| Total | 78 | 1,655 | 7,607 | 60 | 4.6 | 169 | 1,280 | 5 |
Postseason Achievements
Terrell Davis compiled 1,140 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 204 carries in eight postseason games, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and 142.5 yards per game, the highest such average in NFL playoff history among players with at least 100 attempts.[5][39] His postseason rushing accounted for a significant portion of the Denver Broncos' success in reaching and winning consecutive Super Bowls after the 1997 and 1998 seasons, during which he amassed 1,008 yards and 10 touchdowns across six games.[2] Davis rushed for 100 or more yards in six consecutive playoff games from the 1997 divisional round through Super Bowl XXXIII, all Broncos victories; these included 184 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries against the Jacksonville Jaguars on January 4, 1998, 196 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries versus the Kansas City Chiefs on January 11, 1998, and 199 yards and one touchdown on 32 carries against the Miami Dolphins on January 11, 1999.[40] He added 112 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries in the 1998 AFC Championship Game win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 17, 1999.[40] In Super Bowl XXXII on January 25, 1998, Davis rushed for 157 yards and a Super Bowl-record three touchdowns on 30 carries against the Green Bay Packers, earning MVP honors despite a migraine that temporarily blinded him during the game; the Broncos defeated Green Bay 31–24 for their first league title in franchise history.[5][2] In Super Bowl XXXIII on January 31, 1999, he contributed 102 yards on 21 carries in a 34–19 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, helping secure Denver's second straight championship.[5][41] Davis's 537 rushing yards in the 1997 playoffs ranked as the second-most productive single postseason by a running back at the time.[42] His earlier playoff outings included 66 yards on 13 carries in a 1996 wild-card loss to Jacksonville, and he managed only 26 yards on five carries in a 2000 wild-card defeat against Miami amid injury limitations.[40]Franchise and NFL Records
Terrell Davis holds numerous Denver Broncos franchise records, underscoring his dominance as the team's premier rusher during his tenure from 1995 to 2001. He ranks as the all-time leader in career rushing yards with 7,607 on 1,655 carries.[21] Davis also set the franchise mark for career rushing touchdowns with 60.[21] In the postseason, he accumulated a club-record 1,140 rushing yards on 204 carries across eight games, averaging 5.6 yards per carry.[21] For single-season achievements, Davis's 2,008 rushing yards in 1998 remain the Broncos' record and rank fourth in NFL history at the time.[21] That season, he also established team highs with 21 rushing touchdowns and 138 points scored by a non-kicker.[21] Davis owns three of the top five single-season rushing yardage totals in franchise history.[21] He further holds the Broncos record for most 100-yard rushing games with 41.[21] At the NFL level, Davis set the single-postseason record for rushing touchdowns with eight during the 1997 playoffs, a mark that stood as of 2025.[43] His postseason career average of 142.5 rushing yards per game (minimum five games) remains an NFL record.[21] In 1998, Davis became the fourth player in league history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, pairing it with a league-leading 21 rushing touchdowns.[2] He also recorded seven consecutive 100-yard playoff rushing games from 1997 to 1998.[28]Awards and Legacy
Major Honors
Terrell Davis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017, recognizing his exceptional contributions despite a career abbreviated by injuries.[5][44] He earned the Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player Award in 1998, after leading the league with 2,008 rushing yards and guiding the Denver Broncos to a Super Bowl victory.[5][45] Davis was named the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year twice, in 1996 and 1998, for his dominant rushing performances that season including 1,538 yards and 13 touchdowns in 1996, and league-leading 15 touchdowns in 1998.[5][46] In Super Bowl XXXII following the 1997 season, he was awarded Super Bowl MVP honors after rushing for 157 yards and three touchdowns in the Broncos' 31-24 win over the Green Bay Packers.[5][47] Davis received first-team All-Pro recognition from the Associated Press for three consecutive seasons from 1996 to 1998.[5] He was also selected to the Pro Bowl each of those years.[5] As a key contributor to the Broncos' back-to-back Super Bowl championships, Davis helped secure victories in Super Bowl XXXII and Super Bowl XXXIII.[5][48]Impact on the Game and Broncos Franchise
Terrell Davis's arrival as the Denver Broncos' primary running back in 1995 marked a pivotal shift for the franchise, propelling it from consistent playoff contenders to world champions. Prior to his tenure, the Broncos had reached three Super Bowls but lost each, lacking the consistent ground attack needed to complement quarterback John Elway's passing. Davis rushed for 7,607 yards and 60 touchdowns over 78 regular-season games, establishing franchise records for career rushing yards, attempts (1,655), and rushing touchdowns that remain unbroken. His 1997 and 1998 seasons were instrumental in securing back-to-back Super Bowl victories—XXXII and XXXIII—the first championships in team history—where he amassed 259 rushing yards and three touchdowns across the two games, earning Super Bowl XXXII MVP honors after a 157-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Green Bay Packers.[2][1][49] Davis's postseason dominance further underscored his franchise-altering role, setting an NFL record with eight rushing touchdowns in the 1997 playoffs and achieving seven consecutive 100-yard games across the 1997 and 1998 postseasons, a streak that highlighted his reliability in high-stakes scenarios. These feats not only maximized Elway's efficiency in Mike Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme but also balanced the offense, reducing defensive pressure on the aging quarterback and enabling the Broncos to outrush opponents in key victories. By 1998, Davis became the fourth player in NFL history to eclipse 2,000 rushing yards in a season (2,008 yards), a milestone that cemented the Broncos' identity as a run-first powerhouse during their championship window. His contributions extended to holding 57 team records, including single-season marks for rushing yards (2,008 in 1998) and touchdowns (23 in 1998), which sustained franchise momentum even as injuries curtailed his career.[2][28][1] On the broader NFL landscape, Davis exemplified the peak physical and strategic demands of the running back position in the late 1990s, when workhorse backs could dominate awards and drive team success—a rarity in the modern pass-heavy era. As the last running back to win league MVP (1998), his three-year peak from 1996 to 1998—averaging over 1,700 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns annually—demonstrated how an elite, versatile rusher could control game tempo and force defensive adjustments, influencing schemes that prioritized interior power running. Though the position's valuation has since declined due to increased passing emphasis and injury risks, Davis's efficiency (4.6 yards per carry career average) and playoff records underscore the causal link between dominant ground games and championships, a blueprint less replicable today amid shorter careers and committee approaches. His enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017 affirms this enduring influence, with contemporaries crediting his quick-cut acceleration and vision for redefining burst-oriented running within blocking schemes.[2][50][51]Post-Football Pursuits
Broadcasting and Media Roles
Following his retirement from professional football, Terrell Davis transitioned into broadcasting primarily with NFL Network. He joined the network in 2009 as an analyst, providing commentary and insights on various programs, including NFL Total Access.[52] His contributions draw on his experience as a Pro Football Hall of Famer and two-time Super Bowl champion, offering analysis of games, player performances, and team strategies.[52] Earlier involvement with NFL Network began around 2006, when Davis served as a studio analyst and commentator, including color commentary for select NFL Europe games covered by the network.[53] After a period of reduced regular duties, he signed a two-year contract in July 2013 to expand his role as both analyst and reporter, with significant contributions to the weekday morning show NFL AM starting that September.[54] This deal elevated his visibility, allowing for on-location reporting and studio appearances focused on NFL topics, particularly those involving the Denver Broncos.[55] Davis has made occasional guest appearances on other platforms, such as interviews discussing Broncos quarterbacks and AFC West dynamics, but his primary media footprint remains tied to NFL Network's ecosystem rather than regular roles elsewhere.[56]Business and Community Involvement
Davis has engaged in diverse entrepreneurial pursuits post-retirement, including investments in hotels, restaurants, a Denver-based real estate firm, and affordable housing developments.[57] He previously founded and sold a Denver-area investment management company before pivoting to other ventures.[58] Additionally, Davis launched a signature barbecue sauce line, directing a portion of sales proceeds toward youth-focused charitable efforts.[57][59] A prominent business endeavor is his role as co-founder and chief development officer of Defy, a Colorado sports nutrition company specializing in CBD-infused performance drinks, incorporated in 2018 and launched in spring 2019.[60][61] The initiative stemmed from Davis's personal experience using CBD to manage chronic knee pain from NFL injuries, aiming to provide recovery aids for athletes.[61][62] In philanthropy, Davis founded the Terrell Davis Salute the Kids Foundation in August 1998 to support children from disadvantaged communities, with a core belief that every child merits opportunities for success.[63] The organization has facilitated programs such as resource distribution and partnerships with food banks. He has also collaborated on community initiatives, including financial literacy education for youth and school-based mental health screenings.[66] Davis extended his community engagement in August 2024 by accepting the role of "Rambassador" for Colorado State University Athletics, focusing on alumni outreach, fan relations, and university-wide promotional activities.[60] This position builds on his motivational speaking and partnerships with nonprofits honoring military veterans and promoting youth sports access.[68][69]Personal Life
Family and Relationships
Terrell Davis was born on January 28, 1972, in San Diego, California, to Kateree Davis, a nurse, and Joe Davis; his mother raised eight children, including Terrell as the youngest.[7] His father, who struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction, died when Terrell was 14 years old, leaving a challenging family environment marked by physical discipline and limited resources.[9] Davis has credited his mother's influence for instilling resilience amid these hardships, often highlighting her role in steering him away from delinquency during his youth in Long Beach, California.[7] Davis married Tamiko Nash, a former Miss California (2005) and model who competed as runner-up in the Miss USA pageant, on September 4, 2009.[70] The couple has three children: sons Jaxon and Myles, and daughter Dylan.[71] Nash filed for divorce in October 2019 citing irreconcilable differences, but the couple reconciled, as evidenced by their joint public appearances and statements as recently as July 2024 regarding a flight incident involving Davis.[72] [73] The family relocated to the Denver area in 2022 after Davis's broadcasting commitments.[74]Health Challenges from Injuries
Davis sustained his first significant knee injury in 1998 during a game against the Oakland Raiders, when a teammate clipped him while he attempted to tackle on an interception return, damaging ligaments in his left knee.[75] This incident marked the beginning of recurring knee problems that plagued his later career, culminating in a season-ending injury in 1999 that required multiple surgeries and led to degenerative arthritis in both knees.[3] [76] By 2001, these issues limited him to just 9 games, contributing to his retirement at age 29 after accumulating only 17 games played over the prior three seasons.[77] In addition to lower-body injuries, Davis experienced severe migraines, including a debilitating episode during Super Bowl XXXII in January 1998, where he collapsed in the end zone and missed nearly the entire second quarter, later diagnosed as a migraine but retrospectively questioned as a possible concussion.[78] [79] He has reported lifelong migraines starting at age 9, exacerbated by football impacts, though medical consensus at the time attributed them to vascular causes rather than solely traumatic brain injury.[2] Post-retirement, Davis has expressed fears of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), stating in 2017 that NFL players like himself are "all scared" of long-term neurological effects from repeated head trauma.[80] [81] The cumulative toll manifested in chronic joint pain and reduced mobility; by 2019, his knee swelling limited extension to approximately 45 degrees at times, hindering workouts and daily function, while arthritis and other aches persisted without full resolution from surgeries.[62] An earlier ankle and foot sprain in the 2000 season opener sidelined him for most of the first eight games, further compounding recovery challenges from prior knee damage.[36] These injuries not only abbreviated his career but imposed ongoing physical limitations, as evidenced by his reliance on pain management strategies in retirement.[82]Legal Disputes and Controversies
On July 13, 2024, Terrell Davis was removed from a United Airlines flight from Denver to Orange County, California, following an accusation by a flight attendant that Davis had assaulted him. Davis recounted that during the flight, he politely requested a cup of ice for his young son after the attendant overlooked the request during beverage service; when no response came, Davis lightly tapped the attendant's arm to reiterate the ask, an action he described as non-aggressive and witnessed by other passengers as innocuous. The attendant, however, reported to authorities that Davis had groped or struck him, prompting the airline to notify law enforcement pre-arrival.[83][84] Upon landing, multiple FBI agents and local police boarded the aircraft, handcuffing Davis in view of his wife and two children before escorting him off for interrogation at the gate and a nearby substation. After reviewing passenger statements and evidence, authorities concluded Davis had committed no offense, releasing him without charges or arrest within hours; the FBI explicitly stated he had "done nothing wrong." Video footage later released by Davis's legal team captured the handcuffing and removal, corroborating the public humiliation aspect without showing any prior altercation.[85][84] United Airlines issued a public apology to Davis on July 17, 2024, confirming the flight attendant had been removed from duty—subsequently terminated—and reversing an internal no-fly restriction placed on Davis post-incident. The airline maintained the attendant's initial report was made in good faith but acknowledged the ordeal's impact, offering compensation discussions that Davis's representatives described as inadequate. Davis's attorneys, from the firm Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, sent a demand letter asserting negligence, false imprisonment, and emotional distress, and announced plans to file a lawsuit against United, citing the airline's failure to verify the accusation before escalating to authorities. They further indicated an investigation into racial bias as a potential factor, given Davis's status as a Black Hall of Famer and inconsistencies in the attendant's account.[86][87][88] As of late 2024, no formal charges were pursued against Davis, and the incident drew criticism of United's protocols for handling in-flight complaints, with some passengers defending Davis's demeanor via statements to investigators. The episode highlighted tensions in airline passenger treatment, particularly for high-profile individuals, though United disputed claims of a prolonged ban and emphasized internal reviews to prevent recurrence. No resolution to the threatened litigation was publicly reported by October 2025.[89][90]References
- https://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/events/kentucky-derby/[festival](/page/Festival)/2022/04/04/terrell-davis-speaks-2022-kentucky-derby-festival-theyre-off-luncheon/7269308001/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/[colorado](/page/Colorado)/news/terrell-davis-serves-bbq-sauce-to-younger-set/
- https://possibilitiesforchange.org/terrell-davis-inspires-[colorado](/page/Colorado)-students/