Demario Davis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Demario Davis

Davis with the 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 star linebacker for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League (NFL). He was chosen by the New York Jets in the 2012 NFL Draft. Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Arkansas State Red Wolves. Davis has also played for the Cleveland Browns.

Early Life and College Years

Demario Davis grew up in Collins, Mississippi. His mother was 16 when he was born. His father was a soldier in the U.S. Army.

Davis went to Brandon High School in Brandon, Mississippi. He was a talented athlete in three sports: football, basketball, and track. In high school football, he played wide receiver and helped his team reach the playoffs. As a senior, he made 81 tackles and had six interceptions. He also caught over 30 passes for 386 yards.

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

Becoming a Pro Football Player

Getting Ready for the NFL

Before the NFL Draft, Demario Davis showed off his skills at the NFL Scouting Combine. He ran fast and jumped high. Experts thought he would be picked in the third round of the draft. He was seen as one of the top outside linebackers available.

Playing for the New York Jets (First Time)

The New York Jets picked Demario Davis in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft. He was the tenth linebacker chosen that year. He signed a four-year contract with the Jets.

First Season: 2012

Davis started his NFL career as a backup linebacker. He made his first regular season appearance in the Jets' first game. In Week 7, he got his first start and made seven tackles. He finished his rookie season with 36 tackles. He also played a lot on special teams.

Growing as a Player: 2013

In 2013, Davis became a starting inside linebacker for the Jets. He made his first career sack in Week 3. He also got his first interception in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints. He ended the season with 107 tackles, showing he was a key player.

Strong Performances: 2014-2015

Davis continued to be a starting linebacker for the Jets. In 2014, he had 116 tackles and two sacks in one game. He consistently made many tackles each game. In 2015, he had 90 tackles. Even though the Jets had a good record, they didn't make the playoffs.

Time with the Cleveland Browns

Davis with the Browns in 2016

After his contract with the Jets ended, Davis signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2016. He became a starting inside linebacker for them. He played in all 16 games and made 99 tackles. He also had two sacks.

Back to the New York Jets (Second Time)

In 2017, the Browns traded Davis back to the New York Jets. He quickly became a starting inside linebacker again.

Career Highs: 2017

Davis had an amazing year in 2017. He set new career highs with 135 tackles and five sacks. His 135 tackles were the sixth most in the entire league that year. He was one of the best linebackers in the NFL.

Joining the New Orleans Saints

Making an Impact: 2018

In 2018, Demario Davis became a free agent. He signed a three-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. In Week 4, he had a fantastic game against the New York Giants. He made 11 tackles and two sacks, earning him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award.

Continued Success: 2019-2021

Davis kept playing at a high level for the Saints. In 2019, he had 111 tackles and was ranked among the top 100 players in the NFL. He signed a new contract with the Saints in 2020. He continued to make many tackles and sacks, showing his importance to the team. He was consistently ranked as one of the best players by his fellow NFL players.

Playing Every Snap: 2022

In 2022, Davis signed another contract extension with the Saints. He played in all 17 games and was on the field for every single defensive play. This is very rare for a linebacker! He was again ranked among the top 100 players in the NFL.

Still Going Strong: 2023-2024

Davis continued to be a leader for the Saints in 2023. He started all 17 games and had 121 tackles and 6.5 sacks. In 2024, he signed another contract extension. He missed his first career game due to an injury in Week 4, but he has been incredibly durable throughout his career.

NFL Career Statistics

Demario Davis has had a long and successful career in the NFL. Here are some of his statistics:

Regular season

Postseason

Personal Life

Demario Davis is a very religious person and a devout Christian. He got married in 2012 and has five children: four girls and one boy. His wife's name is Tamela.

In 2019, Davis was fined by the NFL for wearing a headband that said "Man of God" on it during a game. However, the fine was later removed. His cousin was also a famous NFL quarterback named Steve McNair.

See also

In Spanish: Demario Davis para niños