André Davis facts for kids

André N. Davis (born June 12, 1979) is a former American football player. He played as a wide receiver and kick returner in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Virginia Tech. He was named an All-American in 2000. The Cleveland Browns picked him in the 2002 NFL Draft. Davis also played for the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and Houston Texans. While at Virginia Tech, he was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine.

Early Life and High School Sports

André Davis grew up in Niskayuna, New York. He was a talented athlete at Niskayuna High School. He was a star on the school's track and field team. He also played soccer for a while. He started playing football in his junior year of high school.

College Football Career

Davis earned a football scholarship to Virginia Tech. There, he was teammates with famous quarterback Michael Vick. In the 2000 Sugar Bowl game, he scored the first touchdown for the Hokies. This was against Florida State.

He received the Today's Top VIII Award in 2002. This award honors top student-athletes. For his achievements, he was added to the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame.

Playing in the NFL

The Cleveland Browns chose André Davis in the second round of the 2002 NFL draft. Another player named Andra Davis was also drafted by the Browns that year. Because of this, both players had to use their full names on their jerseys.

During his first three years with the Browns, André played as a wide receiver. He also played on special teams, helping with kickoffs and punts. On October 17, 2004, he made an amazing 99-yard touchdown catch. This play was against the Cincinnati Bengals. It tied the NFL record for the longest touchdown reception ever. Only twelve other players have done this.

After the Browns, Davis played for the New England Patriots in 2005. Then he joined the Buffalo Bills in 2006. In 2007, he signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans. He became a starter for the Texans in Week 3. This happened when another player, Andre Johnson, was injured.

Davis scored his first touchdown for the Texans on October 1, 2007. It was a 35-yard catch against the Atlanta Falcons. He also became the team's main kick returner. On December 30, 2007, in the last game of the season, he had an incredible day. He scored two touchdowns in a row on kickoff returns. One was for 97 yards, and the next was for 104 yards!

In February 2008, the Texans signed Davis to a new four-year contract. He stayed with the team until February 2011, when he was released.

NFL Records André Davis Holds

• Longest touchdown reception: 99 yards (in 2004 vs. Cincinnati Bengals). He shares this record with 12 other players.
• Most kickoff return touchdowns in one game: 2 (in 2007 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars). He shares this record with 9 other players.

Houston Texans Team Records

André Davis also holds several records for the Houston Texans:

• Most career kickoff return yards: 2,473 yards.
• Most career kickoff return touchdowns: 3 (tied with Jerome Mathis).
• Longest kickoff return touchdown: 104 yards (in 2007).
• Best kickoff return average in a season: 30.3 yards per return (in 2007).
• Best receiving average in a season: 17.7 yards per catch (in 2007, for players with at least 32 catches).

Personal Life

André Davis's cousin is Cam Brown. Cam Brown also played football. He played for Penn State and later for the Miami Dolphins.

See Also

• List of NCAA major college football yearly receiving leaders