Rod Davis (gridiron football) facts for kids

Rod Davis (born April 2, 1981) is an American former professional football player. He was a talented linebacker, a position where players stop the opposing team. Rod Davis played for several teams during his career, including the Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers in the National Football League (NFL). He also played in the Arena Football League (AFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Early Life and High School Football

Rod Davis grew up in Gulfport, Mississippi. He started playing football at Central Junior High. Later, he played for the Admirals team at Gulfport High School.

College Football Success

Rod Davis played college football for the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles. He was a star player there. During his time, he made four interceptions, which is when a defensive player catches a pass meant for an offensive player.

He was named a First-team All-Conference USA player in both his second and third years. In his junior year, he had his best season. He made 122 tackles and 10.5 sacks. A sack is when a defensive player tackles the quarterback before they can throw the ball.

Rod Davis was also named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year. He finished his college career with an amazing 526 tackles and 18.5 sacks. In 2002, he won the Conerly Trophy. This award goes to the best college football player in the state of Mississippi.

Professional Football Career

Rod Davis played in different professional football leagues. He showed his skills in the NFL, AFL, and CFL.

Playing in the National Football League

Rod Davis was chosen by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL draft. He played in 40 NFL games for the Vikings and the Carolina Panthers. During his NFL career, he made 43 tackles and caused one fumble. A fumble is when a player loses control of the ball.

In 2004, he played in 14 games and made nine tackles. The next year, 2005, he played in 16 games and had 21 tackles. He also forced one fumble that year. In 2006, he started with the Panthers, playing one game. He then returned to the Vikings and played in nine more games, making 12 tackles.

Winning a Championship in Arena Football

In 2008, Rod Davis joined the Philadelphia Soul team in the Arena Football League. This league plays football indoors on a smaller field. That year, his team won the ArenaBowl XXII championship. They defeated the San Jose SaberCats to become champions. This was his first professional championship win.

Adventures in Canadian Football

After his time in the AFL, Rod Davis moved to the Canadian Football League (CFL). He signed with the Edmonton Eskimos on May 6, 2009. He played for them until the end of the 2011 season. His first game as a starter was on August 13, 2009.

After becoming a free agent, he signed with the Montreal Alouettes in 2012. He played one season with them. In 2013, he joined the Calgary Stampeders, where he finished his professional football career.