Demario Davis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Demario Davis

Davis with the New Orleans Saints in 2021
No. 56 – New Orleans Saints
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1989-01-11) January 11, 1989 (age 36) Collins, Mississippi, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:	248 lb (112 kg)
Career information
High school:	Brandon (Brandon, Mississippi)
College:	Arkansas State (2007–2011)
NFL Draft:	2012 / Round: 3 / Pick: 77
Career history
New York Jets (2012) Cleveland Browns (2016) New York Jets (2017) New Orleans Saints (2018–present)
Roster status:	Active
Career highlights and awards
First-team All-Pro (2019) 4× Second-team All-Pro (2020–2023) 2× Pro Bowl (2022, 2023) NFL solo tackles co-leader (2017) Bart Starr Award (2021) 2× First-team All-Sun Belt (2010, 2011)
Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2024
Total tackles: 1,393 Sacks: 44.5 Forced fumbles: 4 Fumble recoveries: 8 Interceptions: 4 Pass deflections: 58
Player stats at PFR

Demario Davis (born January 11, 1989) is an American professional football player. He is a linebacker for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League (NFL). The New York Jets picked him in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft. Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Arkansas State Red Wolves. He also played for the Cleveland Browns during his career.

Early Life and College Football

Demario Davis was born in 1989. His mother was 16 when he was born. His father was a soldier in the U.S. Army.

High School Sports

Davis went to Brandon High School in Brandon, Mississippi. He was a talented athlete, playing three sports. He played football, basketball, and ran track. In football, he mostly played wide receiver in his first two years. As a senior, he made 81 tackles and four touchdowns. He was also a starter on the basketball team. He competed as a high jumper in track and field.

College Career at Arkansas State

Davis played college football for the Arkansas State Red Wolves. In his second year, he led the team with 80 tackles. He earned special honors in his junior and senior years.

Professional Football Career

Demario Davis has had a long and successful career in the NFL. He is known for being a strong linebacker.

Joining the NFL: New York Jets (First Time)

Before the 2012 NFL Draft, experts thought Davis would be picked in the third round. The New York Jets chose him in the third round, as the 77th overall pick. He signed a four-year contract with the Jets.

Rookie Season (2012)

In his first season, Davis competed for a starting spot. He made his NFL debut in the first game of the season. He got his first career tackle in Week 3. He became a starter for a few games later in the season. He finished his rookie year with 36 tackles. He also played a lot on special teams.

Becoming a Starter (2013)

In 2013, the Jets changed their defense. Davis became a starting inside linebacker. He made his first career sack in Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills. In Week 9, he got his first career interception against the New Orleans Saints. He ended the season with 107 tackles.

Strong Performance (2014)

Davis continued as a starting linebacker in 2014. In Week 2, he sacked quarterback Aaron Rodgers twice. He had four games with over ten tackles that year. He finished the season with 116 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Final Year with Jets (2015)

In 2015, Davis remained a key player for the Jets. He had a season-high 13 tackles in Week 3. He finished the year with 90 tackles and two sacks. The Jets had a good record but did not make the playoffs.

Time with the Cleveland Browns (2016)

Davis with the Browns in 2016

After the 2015 season, Davis became a free agent. The Cleveland Browns signed him to a two-year contract. He became a starting inside linebacker for the Browns. He played in all 16 games and finished with 99 tackles.

Return to the New York Jets (2017)

In 2017, the Browns traded Davis back to the New York Jets. This happened because the Browns changed their defensive strategy. Davis quickly became a starting inside linebacker again for the Jets.

Career-High Season (2017)

Davis had an amazing season in 2017. He set a career-high with 135 tackles. He also had a career-high five sacks. His 135 tackles were the sixth most in the entire league that year.

Joining the New Orleans Saints

In 2018, Davis became a free agent again. He was considered one of the best linebackers available. The New Orleans Saints signed him to a three-year contract.

Impact with the Saints (2018)

In Week 4 of 2018, Davis had a great game against the New York Giants. He recorded 11 tackles and two sacks. This earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award.

Continued Success (2019-2021)

Davis continued to be a top player for the Saints. In 2019, he had 11 tackles and a sack against the Atlanta Falcons. He was ranked among the top 100 players in the NFL by his fellow players. He signed a contract extension in 2020. He kept making big plays, including sacks on famous quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. In 2021, he had 105 tackles and three sacks.

Iron Man Season (2022)

In 2022, Davis played every single defensive snap for the Saints. He was the only linebacker in the NFL to do this that year. This shows how durable and important he is to his team. He was ranked 43rd among the NFL's top 100 players.

Recent Seasons (2023-2024)

Davis continued to start every game for the Saints in 2023. He finished with 121 tackles and 6.5 sacks. In March 2024, the Saints extended his contract through 2025. He missed his first career game due to injury in Week 4 of the 2024 season.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular season

Postseason

Personal Life

Demario Davis is a devoted Christian. His cousin was the former NFL quarterback Steve McNair. Davis got married in 2012. He and his wife Tamela have five children: four girls and one boy. In 2019, the NFL fined him for wearing a headband that said "Man of God." However, the fine was later removed.

See also

In Spanish: Demario Davis para niños