Vernon Davis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Vernon Davis

Davis with the Redskins in 2018
No. 85, 80
Position:	Tight end
Personal information
Born:	(1984-01-31) January 31, 1984 (age 41) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	248 lb (112 kg)
Career information
High school:	Dunbar (Washington, D.C.)
College:	Maryland (2003–2005)
NFL Draft:	2006 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6
Career history
San Francisco 49ers (2006) Denver Broncos (2015) Washington Redskins (2016)
Career highlights and awards
Super Bowl champion (50) Second-team All-Pro (2013) 2× Pro Bowl (2009, 2013) NFL receiving touchdowns co-leader (2009) First-team All-American (2005) First-team All-ACC (2005)
Career NFL statistics
Receptions: 583 Receiving yards: 7,562 Receiving touchdowns: 63
Player stats at PFR

Vernon Leonard Davis (born January 31, 1984) is a former American football player. He was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). Davis played college football for the Maryland Terrapins. He was named an All-American in 2005.

The San Francisco 49ers picked Davis sixth overall in the 2006 NFL draft. In 2009, he led the NFL in touchdown catches. He was also chosen for his first of two Pro Bowl games that year.

During the 2011–12 NFL playoffs, Davis made a famous game-winning touchdown catch for the 49ers. This play is known as "the Catch III". In 2015, Davis joined the Denver Broncos and won Super Bowl 50. He played for the Washington Redskins from 2016 until he retired after the 2019 season.

Growing Up and High School Sports

Vernon Davis grew up in Washington, D.C.. He went to Truesdell Elementary and Paul Public Charter School. Since Paul didn't have a football team, he played for MacFarland Middle School.

He later attended Dunbar High School. There, he was a star in football, basketball, and track & field. In football, he played many positions like tight end, safety, and wide receiver. In his senior year, he caught 21 passes for 511 yards and five touchdowns.

Davis was also a top athlete in track & field. He ran the 100 meters in 10.7 seconds. He was the DCIAA champion in the high jump, clearing 6 ft 6 in (198 cm).

College Football Career

Davis returns a kickoff during a 2005 game against the Clemson Tigers

Davis went to the University of Maryland and studied studio art. He played for the Maryland Terrapins football team. As a freshman in 2003, he played in all 13 games.

In 2004, Davis became a starter in many games. He caught 27 passes for 441 yards and three touchdowns.

His best college season was in 2005. He was named an All-American and a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference player. He led his team with 51 catches and 871 receiving yards. He also had six touchdown catches.

Davis was known for his strength. He set school records for a tight end in the bench press (460 pounds) and squat (685 pounds). He finished his college career with 1,371 yards on 83 catches.

College Statistics

Professional Football Career

The San Francisco 49ers picked Vernon Davis as the sixth overall player in the 2006 NFL draft. He was the top tight end chosen that year. He impressed scouts at the NFL combine by running the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds.

San Francisco 49ers Highlights

Davis's first NFL catch was a 31-yard touchdown from quarterback Alex Smith in 2006. He finished his rookie year with 20 catches for 265 yards and three touchdowns.

In 2008, Davis had a moment that changed his career. After a play, he reacted poorly and was benched by his coach, Mike Singletary. This led to Singletary's famous "I want winners" speech. Davis took this to heart and changed his attitude.

The 2009 season was a breakout year for Davis. He tied the NFL record for most touchdown catches by a tight end in a single season with 13. He was chosen for his first Pro Bowl.

In 2010, Davis signed a big contract, making him the highest-paid tight end in the league. He continued to be a key player for the 49ers.

The 2011 season saw the 49ers reach the playoffs. In a thrilling game against the New Orleans Saints, Davis caught the game-winning touchdown from Alex Smith. This play is often called "Vernon Post." He set a record for most receiving yards by a tight end in a playoff game with 180 yards.

In 2012, Davis helped the 49ers reach Super Bowl XLVII. He had 104 receiving yards in the Super Bowl, but the 49ers lost a close game to the Baltimore Ravens.

The 2013 season was another strong one for Davis. He caught 13 touchdowns again and was named to the Pro Bowl.

Denver Broncos and Super Bowl Win

On November 2, 2015, Davis was traded to the Denver Broncos. He joined the team and helped them win Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers. Even though he didn't have any catches in the Super Bowl, he made an important block that led to a big run by his teammate.

Washington Redskins Years

In 2016, Davis signed with his hometown team, the Washington Redskins. He continued to be a reliable player, catching important passes and touchdowns. In 2017, he signed a three-year contract extension with the Redskins.

He played for the Redskins until the 2019 season. He missed most of that season due to a concussion.

Retirement from Football

Vernon Davis announced he was retiring from football on February 2, 2020. He made the announcement during a skit on Fox NFL before Super Bowl LIV.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular season

Postseason

Life Outside of Football

Davis visiting American military members in Southwest Asia in March 2010

Vernon Davis is engaged to Kayla. His younger brother, Vontae Davis, was also an NFL player. Vontae famously retired during halftime of a game.

Davis is a big fan of curling. He even hosted a curling event for his charity. He was named an honorary captain for the Men's U.S. Olympic Curling team in 2010.

In 2010, Davis started a company called Modern Class Design (MCD). It's a company that helps design homes and commercial spaces. He also owns several Jamba Juice stores.

In 2012, Davis opened Gallery 85 in San Jose, California. This art gallery shows the work of new and rising artists.

Media Appearances and Acting

Davis has appeared in several TV shows and movies. In 2015, he was on Pretty Wild and Whose Line is it Anyway?. He was also a judge on ABC's BattleBots.

In 2020, Davis hosted the reunion special for MTV's The Challenge: Total Madness. He also competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2020. He danced for six weeks with his partner, Peta Murgatroyd. In 2021, he hosted the reunion for The Challenge: Double Agents.

In 2022, Davis was a judge for Domino Masters on Fox. He also started acting in movies. He starred in the crime thriller The Ritual Killer in 2023. He played a character named "Randoku" alongside Morgan Freeman. In 2022, it was announced that he would star in the comedy film Plan B.

Images for kids

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  Davis (left) with wide receiver Michael Crabtree in 2009

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  Davis in 2010

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  Davis in 2012

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  Davis (right) in 2017