Thomas Davis Sr.

Thomas Antonio Davis Sr. was born on March 22, 1983, in Shellman, Georgia.{{Cite news|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article29699272.html|title=Panthers LB Thomas Davis adding 'Sr.' to jersey, at request of his son|work=charlotteobserver|access-date=October 28, 2017|language=en}} He attended Randolph-Clay High School in Cuthbert, Georgia,{{cite web |url=http://www.thomasdavis47.com/ssp/biography/ |title=Thomas Davis Official Website - Carolina Panthers - Biography |access-date=February 18, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202101046/http://thomasdavis47.com/ssp/biography |archive-date=February 2, 2009 }} where he was a four-sport star in football, basketball, baseball, and track. In football, he played running back, wide receiver, quarterback, defensive end, defensive back, punter, kicker, and kick returner at various times throughout his career. As a junior, he averaged 30 yards per punt, had two kickoff returns, one punt return, and one fumble return for touchdowns. As a senior, he earned Class AA All-State honorable mention by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Georgia Sports Writers Association (GSWA) after rushing for 1,032 yards, leading the region in scoring with 108 points in the regular season.{{cite web|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/2005draft/Davis,Thomas-SS+OLB-Georgia.htm|title=USATODAY.com|website=usatoday30.usatoday.com}}

In addition to football, Davis played baseball and ran track, where he qualified for the GHSAAA State T&F Championships for the 100-meter dash, placing 6th with a time of 11.1 seconds, and the 400 relay, finishing in 43.98 seconds.{{cite web|url=http://savannahnow.com/stories/050601/SPTstatetrack.shtml|title=Claxton boys finish third in state track meet - savannahnow.com - Savannah Morning News|website=savannahnow.com}} In the agility tests, he ran a 4.54-second 40-yard dash, had a 355-pound bench press, 520-pound squat, 324-pound hang clean and 34-inch vertical jump.

Davis received an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Georgia, where he played for coach Mark Richt's Georgia Bulldogs football team from 2002 to 2004. Following his sophomore season in 2003, he earned second-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) honors. He was recognized as a first-team All-SEC selection and a consensus first-team All-American after his junior season in 2004. In 39 career games, he was effective as both a rush linebacker and a free safety, recording 272 tackles, 18 for a loss, 10.5 sacks, three interceptions, six forced fumbles, and nine fumble recoveries. He majored in consumer economics.

Davis opted to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2005 NFL draft as an underclassman. He attended the NFL Scouting Combine and completed the majority of drills, but opted to skip the bench press. Davis finished second among all linebackers who participated in the 40-yard dash, behind Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson.{{cite web |title=Spotlight: Thomas Davis |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/carolina-panthers/Article/Spotlight-Thomas-Davis-104230190/ |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=247Sports.com |date=August 15, 2005}} On March 22, 2005, Davis attended Georgia's pro day, but opted to stand on the majority of his combine numbers and only ran the 40-yard dash and participated in positional drills. He improved his time in the 40-yard dash, finishing with a 4.52. At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Davis was projected to be a first round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was regarded as one of the top safeties in the draft and was highly touted for his versatility and ability to play safety or linebacker. Davis was ranked as the top safety prospect in the draft by Scouts Inc. and ESPN and was ranked as the top free safety by DraftScout.com and the Chicago Tribune.{{cite web |title=Position-By-Position Look at the Top NFL Draft Prospects |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2005-02-24-0502240430-story.html |access-date=November 16, 2018 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=February 24, 2005}}{{cite web |title=Size, Speed makes Davis attractive |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft05/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&page=s_ratings |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |author=Pasquarelli, Len |date=April 18, 2005}}{{cite web |title=NFL Thomas Davis - ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/8429/thomas-davis-sr |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=Insider.ESPN.com}}

{{nfl predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 1

| weight = 230

| dash = 4.66

| ten split = 1.72

| twenty split = 2.81

| shuttle = 3.97

| cone drill = 7.09

| vertical = 36½

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 7

| bench =

| wonderlic =

| arm span = 32

| hand span = 10¼

| note = All values from NFL Combine{{cite web |title=Thomas Davis {{!}} Combine Results {{!}} FS - Georgia |url=http://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?f=Thomas&l=Davis&i=7088 |website=nflcombineresults.com}}

}}

The Carolina Panthers selected Davis in the first round (14th overall) of the 2005 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2005 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/draft.htm |access-date=May 7, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Thomas was the first safety drafted in 2005.{{cite web |last=Fryer |first=Jenna |date=April 23, 2005 |title=2005 NFL DRAFT: Carolina Panthers pick versatile defensive player |url=https://thetandd.com/sports/nfl-draft-carolina-panthers-pick-versatile-defensive-player/article_744acd3d-97c8-5014-a14b-29cb9007875d.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116230133/https://thetandd.com/sports/nfl-draft-carolina-panthers-pick-versatile-defensive-player/article_744acd3d-97c8-5014-a14b-29cb9007875d.html |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=thetandd.com}}

On July 26, 2005, the Carolina Panthers signed Davis to a five-year, $10.60 million contract that includes $7.97 million guaranteed.{{cite web |date=July 30, 2005 |title=Saints' Brown has a job -- and now a contract |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2119530 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424041521/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2119530 |archive-date=April 24, 2019 |access-date=November 16, 2018 |url-status=live |website=ESPN.com}} The contract has a maximum value of $13.20 million with incentives and performance bonuses.{{cite web |date=July 29, 2005 |title=Davis Signs with Panthers |url=http://www.walb.com/story/3660121/davis-signs-with-panthers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424082814/http://www.walb.com/story/3660121/davis-signs-with-panthers/ |archive-date=April 24, 2019 |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=walb.com}}

Davis entered training camp as a safety, but also learned the linebacker position. On August 15, 2005, it was reported that the Carolina Panthers moved Davis to outside linebacker after Brandon Short injured his foot during a preseason game against the Washington Redskins.{{cite web |title=Panthers move Davis |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2005-08-16-nflbeat16-story.html |access-date=November 16, 2018 |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |date=August 16, 2005}} On August 20, 2005, starting strong safety Colin Branch tore his ACL during the Panthers’ 27–21 loss at the New York Giants in their third preseason game. Defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac opted to move Davis back to strong safety as a replacement for Branch.{{cite web |title=Panthers FS Branch to miss entire Season |url=https://www.ign.com/boards/threads/panthers-fs-branch-to-miss-entire-season.96728487/ |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=IGN.com |date=August 21, 2005}}{{cite web |title=Any Given Sunday: Saints over Panthers |url=https://www.footballoutsiders.com/any-given-sunday/2005/any-given-sunday-saints-over-panthers |access-date=November 16, 2018 |last=Macey |first=Ned |website=footballoutsiders.com}} Head coach John Fox named Davis the starting strong safety to begin the regular season, alongside free safety Mike Minter.

He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the Carolina Panthers’ season-opener against the New Orleans Saints and recorded five combined tackles during their 23–20 loss. Davis struggled during their loss against the Saints and was demoted to backup strong safety behind Marlon McCree for the following game.{{cite web |title=Trouble brewing in Minnesota |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2165973 |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |date=September 20, 2005}} On September 18, 2005, Davis recorded two solo tackles and made his first career sack in a 27–17 victory against the New England Patriots in Week 2. Davis sacked Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady for a ten-yard loss during the second quarter.{{cite web |title=New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers - September 18th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200509180car.htm |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} On December 4, 2005, Davis played as an outside linebacker against the Atlanta Falcons and was used as a quarterback spy to contain Falcons’ quarterback Michael Vick. Davis was instrumental in the Panthers’ 24–6 victory against Atlanta, making four combined tackles and being credited with half a sack. Davis and strong safety Mike Minter lined up in the box and were used to contain Vick as the Panthers defeated the Falcons for the first time in franchise history since the latter had drafted Vick in 2001.{{cite web |title=Rookie Davis plays big role in containing Vick |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=2247892 |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |last=Clayton |first=John |date=December 4, 2005}} In Week 17, Davis collected a season-high five solo tackles during a 44–41 victory at the Falcons.{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Thomas Davis (2005) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/thomasdavis/2506352/gamelogs?season=2005 |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} He finished his rookie season in 2005 with 38 combined tackles (31 solo) and 1.5 sacks in 16 games and one start.{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Thomas Davis (career) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/thomasdavis/2506352/careerstats |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}

The Carolina Panthers finished second in the NFC South with an 11–5 record in 2005 and earned a playoff berth. On January 8, 2006, Davis appeared in his first career playoff game and recorded one tackle and made one sack during the Panthers’ 23–0 victory at the New York Giants in the NFC Wildcard Game. The following week, Davis made three solo tackles during a 29–21 win at the Chicago Bears in the NFC Divisional Round. The Panthers were eliminated from the playoffs after a 34–14 loss at the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.

Davis entered training camp slated as a starting outside linebacker after Will Witherspoon departed for the St. Louis Rams. He also changed his jersey number to No. 58 after wearing No. 47 during his rookie season.{{cite web |title=1 Carolina Panthers |url=https://www.si.com/vault/2006/09/04/8385724/1-carolina-panthers |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=si.com |date=September 4, 2006}} Head coach John Fox named Davis a starting outside linebacker to begin the regular season. Davis started alongside Na'il Diggs and starting middle linebacker Chris Draft.{{cite web |title=Carolina Panthers Starters, Roster, & Players| url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2006_roster.htm |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} In Week 5, he collected a season-high 11 combined tackles (nine solo) during a 20–12 win against the Cleveland Browns. Davis was inactive for the Panthers’ Week 7 loss at the Cincinnati Bengals. On November 19, 2006, Davis made ten combined tackles (nine solo) and recorded a season-high 1.5 sacks on Rams’ quarterback Marc Bulger during a 15–0 victory against the St. Louis Rams in Week 11.{{cite web |title=St. Louis Rams at Carolina Panthers - November 19th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200611190car.htm |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Davis was inactive for the Panthers’ Week 17 win at the New Orleans Saints.{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Thomas Davis (2006) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/thomasdavis/2506352/gamelogs?season=2006 |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} He finished the 2006 NFL season with 88 combined tackles (69 solo), six pass deflections, and 1.5 sacks on 14 games and 14 starts.

Head coach John Fox retained Davis and Na’il Diggs as the starting outside linebackers to begin the season in 2007. They started alongside middle linebacker Jon Beason.{{cite web |title=2007 Carolina Panthers Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2007_roster.htm |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} In Week 3, he collected a season-high eight combined tackles (seven solo) as the Panthers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 27–20.{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Thomas Davis (2007) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/thomasdavis/2506352/gamelogs?season=2007 |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} On December 22, 2007, Davis recorded seven combined tackles, deflected two passes, and made his first career interception during a 20–13 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16. Davis intercepted a pass by Cowboys’ quarterback Tony Romo, that was originally intended for wide receiver Patrick Crayton, in the fourth quarter.{{cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers - December 22bd, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200712220car.htm |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Davis started in all 16 games in 2007 and recorded 88 combined tackles (72 solo), five pass deflections, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception.

Head coach John Fox retained Davis, Na’il Diggs, and Jon Beason as the starting linebackers in 2008. In Week 11, he collected a season-high 11 combined tackles (ten solo) and was credited with half a sack in the Panthers’ 31–22 win against the Detroit Lions. On December 21, 2008, Davis tied his season-high of 11 combined tackles (nine solo) and made one sack during a 34–28 loss at the New York Giants in Week 16.{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Thomas Davis (2008) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/thomasdavis/2506352/gamelogs?season=2008 |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} He started in all 16 games in 2008 and recorded 113 combined tackles (92 solo), six passes defensed, 3.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

On January 22, 2009, it was announced that Carolina Panthers’ defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac opted not to return and resigned from his role as defensive coordinator.{{cite web |title=Trgovac won't return to Panthers |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3852125 |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |date=January 22, 2009}} On January 26, 2009, the Carolina Panthers announced their decision to hire former Indianapolis Colts’ defensive coordinator Ron Meeks to be their new defensive coordinator.{{cite web |title=Panthers hire Meeks to run defense |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3862218 |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |date=January 26, 2009}} Head coach John Fox retained Davis, Na’il Diggs, and Jon Beason as the starting linebackers for the third consecutive season.{{cite web |title=2009 Carolina Panthers Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2009_roster.htm |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}}

Davis started in the Carolina Panthers’ season-opener against the Philadelphia Eagles and recorded a season-high 16 combined tackles (14 solo) during their 38–10 loss. On October 18, 2009, Davis recorded eight solo tackles, broke up two passes, and intercepted a pass by Buccaneers’ quarterback Josh Johnson during a 28–21 win at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6.{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Thomas Davis (2009) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/thomasdavis/2506352/gamelogs?season=2009 |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} On November 8, 2009, Davis sustained a leg injury during the third quarter of the Panthers’ 30–20 loss at the New Orleans Saints and did not return.{{cite web |title=New Orleans Saints defeat Carolina Panthers 30-20 |url=https://www.catscratchreader.com/2009/11/8/1122209/new-orleans-saints-defeat-carolina |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=catscratchreader.com |last=Dator |first=James |date=November 8, 2009}} On November 10, 2009, the Carolina Panthers placed Davis on injured reserve after it was discovered he had torn his ACL.{{cite web |title=Carolina Panthers Transactions (2009) |url=https://www.panthers.com/team/transactions/2009 |access-date=November 16, 2018 |website=Panthers.com}} He finished the season with 61 combined tackles (48 solo), five pass deflections, two interceptions, and 1.5 sacks in seven games and seven starts.

On June 8, 2010, Davis tore his ACL on the second day of minicamp. The injury occurred while Davis was backpedaling during a non-contact drill.{{cite web |title=Panthers lose LB Thomas Davis to 2nd torn ACL |url=https://www.columbian.com/news/2010/jun/09/panthers-lose-lb-thomas-davis-to-2nd-torn-acl/ |access-date=November 17, 2018 |website=columbian.com |date=June 9, 2010}} On August 31, 2010, the Carolina Panthers placed Davis on their physically unable to perform list.{{cite web |title=Carolina Panthers Transactions (2010) |url=https://www.panthers.com/team/transactions/2010 |access-date=November 17, 2018 |website=Panthers.com}}{{cite news |title=Panthers' Wright lost for season; Davis to PUP list |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/panthers-wright-lost-for-season-davis-to-pup-list/article_a51a5164-cc5b-5a7a-bbde-d36c1deb53de.html |access-date=November 17, 2018 |newspaper=Post and Courier |date=August 31, 2010}}

On January 1, 2011, the Carolina Panthers announced their decision to fire head coach John Fox after the Panthers finished with a 2–14 record in 2010.{{cite web |title=John Fox won't return to Panthers |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5975190 |access-date=November 17, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |date=January 1, 2011}} On January 13, 2011, the Carolina Panthers announced the hiring of former San Diego Chargers’ defensive coordinator Ron Rivera as their new head coach.{{cite web |title=Ron Rivera hired as Panthers' coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=6011884 |access-date=November 17, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |date=January 13, 2011}}

On July 29, 2011, the Carolina Panthers signed Davis to a five-year, $36.50 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $7 million.{{cite web|title=Thomas Davis contract|url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/carolina-panthers/thomas-davis-1209/|website=Spotrac.com}} The contract also included an $8 million option bonus for 2012.{{cite web |title=Panthers got creative with Thomas Davis |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/23267/panthers-got-creative-with-thomas-davis |access-date=November 19, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |date=August 4, 2011 |last=Yasinskas |first=Pat}} On September 18, 2011, Davis tore his ACL in his right knee during third quarter of the Panthers’ 30–23 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. The injury occurred when Davis right leg was caught up in a pile of players. On September 19, 2011, the Carolina Panthers officially placed Davis on injured reserve.{{cite web |title=Carolina Panthers Transactions (2011) |url=https://www.panthers.com/team/transactions/2011 |access-date=November 19, 2018 |website=Panthers.com}} This became Davis’ third torn ACL in 23 months.{{cite web |title=Panthers LB Davis suffers third torn ACL, is out for season |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/panthers-lb-davis-suffers-third-torn-acl-is-out-for-season-09000d5d82264027 |access-date=November 19, 2018 |website=NFL.com |date=September 19, 2011}} No professional athlete had ever recovered and returned to play after three ACL tears in the same knee.{{cite web| url = https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10176758/carolina-panthers-linebacker-thomas-davis-thriving-recovering-three-acl-injuries| title = Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis thriving after recovering from three ACL injuries| date = December 26, 2013}} He stated at the time that he would become the first and hoped to be an inspiration to others.{{cite news |last=Tomlinson |first=Tommy |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10176758/carolina-panthers-linebacker-thomas-davis-thriving-recovering-three-acl-injuries |title=You can't keep Thomas Davis down |work=ESPN.com |date=December 26, 2013 |access-date=September 6, 2017}} Davis finished the 2011 NFL season with 12 combined tackles (six solo) and was limited to two games and two starts.

On March 13, 2012, the Carolina Panthers chose not to exercise an $8 million bonus option on his five-year, $36.50 million contract. On February 25, 2012, the Carolina Panthers restructured Davis’ contract in order to save cap $3.80 million in cap space. His base salary for 2012 was restructured from $2.20 million to the veteran minimum of $700,000.{{cite web|last=Horner|first=Tyler|title=Carolina Panthers Free Agency: Tracking 2012 Signings, Targets and Rumors|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1071074-carolina-panthers-free-agency-tracking-2012-signings-targets-and-rumors|publisher=Bleacher Report|access-date=April 13, 2012}}{{cite web |title=Carolina Panthers Restructure Thomas Davis |url=https://catcrave.com/2012/03/13/carolina-panthers-restructure-thomas-davis/ |access-date=November 19, 2018 |website=CatCave.com|date=March 13, 2012 }}

Davis was held out of minicamp as he recovered from ACL surgery, but returned in time to participate in training camp. Davis had been replaced as the starting weakside linebacker by rookie first round pick Luke Kuechly. He competed against James Anderson to be the starting strongside linebacker.{{cite web |title=Thomas Davis attempts comeback after third ACL tear |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/thomas-davis-attempts-comeback-after-third-acl-tear-09000d5d82a25de0 |access-date=November 19, 2018 |website=NFL.com |date=June 26, 2012 |last=Hanzus |first=Dan}} Head coach Ron Rivera named Davis the backup strongside linebacker, behind James Anderson, to begin the regular season.{{cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Carolina Panthers Depth Chart: 10/01/2012 |url=https://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/136/CAR |access-date=November 19, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}} On September 9, 2012, Davis recorded three combined tackles during the Panthers’ season-opening 16–10 loss at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He became the first known player to successfully return to active competition after suffering three torn ACLs on the same knee. Davis was inactive during the Panthers’ Week 3 loss to the New York Giants due to a hamstring injury.{{cite web |title=Panthers Linebacker Thomas Davis Is Back In NFL Despite Blowing Out Same ACL Three Times |url=http://thepostgame.com/blog/men-action/201210/thomas-davis-carolina-panthers-acl-linebacker-nfl-knee |access-date=November 19, 2018 |website=thepostgame.com |last=Fedotin |first=Jeff |date=October 15, 2012}} Davis was named the starting weakside linebacker in a Week 5 after Jon Beason sustained a shoulder injury and was replaced by Luke Kuechly after being placed on injured reserve on October 24, 2012.{{cite web |title=Panthers' Jon Beason lost to injured reserve again |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/panthers/2012/10/24/jon-beason-injured-reserve-knee-shoulder-carolina-panthers/1654761/ |access-date=November 19, 2018 |website=usatoday.com |date=October 24, 2012}} On November 18, 2012, Davis collected a season-high 16 combined tackles (11 solo) during the Panthers’ 27–21 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11. In Week 14, Davis recorded seven combined tackles, deflected a pass, and made an interception during a 30–20 victory against the Atlanta Falcons.{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Thomas Davis (2012) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/thomasdavis/2506352/gamelogs?season=2012 |access-date=November 19, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} Davis finished the 2012 NFL season with 105 combined tackles (70 solo), three pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and one interception in 15 games and 12 starts.

File:Thomas Davis panthers.jpg

After three years of injuries, Davis started all 16 games and recorded a career-high 123 tackles and four sacks, in addition to two interceptions and a forced fumble. He was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month of November and won the NFC Defensive Player of the Week during week 6. He played alongside Chase Blackburn and Luke Kuechly to help Carolina achieve a second-ranked defense.

Through the first five weeks of the 2014 season, Pro Football Focus rated Davis as the best 4-3 outside linebacker in coverage.{{cite web|url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2014/10/10/pff-preview-panthers-bengals-week-6/|title=News and Analysis for NFL and Fantasy Football - Pro Football Focus|website=www.profootballfocus.com}} In the must-win finale at Atlanta, Davis returned a fumble 33 yards to set up a crucial touchdown that started the rout of the Falcons. The Panthers won the game 34–3, becoming the first team in the NFC South to win back-to-back division titles and sending the Panthers into the playoffs for the second year in a row, the first time in franchise history.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554404|title=Panthers vs. Falcons - Game Recap - December 28, 2014 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}} Davis' leadership, play, and consistency was a big contributor in these achievements, along with those same attributes found in Kuechly and tight end Greg Olsen. In the Panthers wild-card playoff matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, Davis was a part of a stifling defense that set an NFL record for fewest yards allowed in a playoff game, limiting the Cardinals to just 78 total yards and forcing three turnovers.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400749512|title=Cardinals vs. Panthers - Game Recap - January 3, 2015 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com}} According to Pro Football Focus, Davis was the best defensive player on the field, registering seven tackles while also grading out as the best player in coverage for the Panthers, showcasing his roots as a safety.{{cite web|url=http://www.catscratchreader.com/2015/1/4/7492373/panthers-27-cardinals-16-handing-out-the-grades|title=Panthers 27 Cardinals 16: Handing Out the Grades|date=January 4, 2015}} For the season, Davis was among the league leaders in pass coverage linebackers allowing just 7.1 yards per reception.{{cite web|url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/01/22/2014-pff-all-nfc-south-team/|title=News and Analysis for NFL and Fantasy Football - Pro Football Focus|website=www.profootballfocus.com}} On January 31, 2015, Davis was named the 2014 Walter Payton Man of the Year by the NFL, recognizing his off-the-field community service work.{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/thomas-davis-named-walter-payton-man-of-the-year-0ap3000000466408|title=Thomas Davis named Walter Payton Man of the Year|website=NFL.com}}

File:Thomas Davis, Max Garcia, Charles Johnson Super Bowl 50.jpg.]]

On June 15, 2015, Davis signed a two-year contract extension.{{cite web|work=NFL.com|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/thomas-davis-panthers-reach-two-year-extension-0ap3000000497055|title=Thomas Davis, Panthers reach two-year extension|first=Chris|last=Wesseling|date=June 15, 2015|access-date=January 18, 2016}} In 2015, Davis changed the back of his jersey from "Davis" to "Davis Sr" at the request of his son.{{cite web | url=https://www.panthers.com/news/senior-moment-for-thomas-davis-15558849 | title=Senior moment for Thomas Davis | website=Panthers.com | date=August 1, 2015 | access-date=November 13, 2017 | author=Strickland, Bryan}} Davis continued his outstanding play during the start of the 2015 NFL season, recording 25 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble through just the first three games. The next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Davis recorded 11 tackles and 1 interception in a 37–23 victory. Davis played very well during the Panthers Sunday Night victory over the Philadelphia Eagles recording a season high 13 tackles. Through the first 15 weeks of the 2015 NFL season, Davis set career highs in sacks (5.5) and interceptions (3). For his efforts, Davis was named to the 2016 Pro Bowl, a rare honor to an outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense.{{cite news|work=USAToday.com|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/12/22/panthers-have-nfl-best-10-players-selected-for-pro-bowl/77783654/|title=Panthers have NFL-best 10 players selected for Pro Bowl|date=December 23, 2015|access-date=January 18, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://blackandbluereview.com/thomas-davis-team-record-10-panthers-named-to-pro-bowl/|title=Thomas Davis, Team Record 10 Panthers Named to Pro Bowl|date=December 22, 2015}} Davis finished the regular season with 105 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 4 interceptions. He was named to the AP All-Pro First Team.{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/2015-all-pro-team-analysis-of-the-first-team-roster-0ap3000000619551|title=2015 All-Pro team: Analysis of the first-team roster|website=NFL.com}} During the Divisional Round Playoffs, another showdown against Seattle, Davis secured the Panthers win by catching the Seahawks onside kick attempt with 1:12 left in the game, sending the Panthers into the NFC Championship Game.{{cite web|url=https://www.panthers.com/video/thomas-davis-onside-kick-recovery-16710526|title=Thomas Davis onside kick recovery|website=Panthers.com}} It was Davis' second onside kick recovery of the season, the first coming against the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving night game.{{cite web|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article55214010.html|title=Panthers LB Thomas Davis makes 'hands team' play of day vs. Seattle|work=The Charlotte Observer|date=January 17, 2016}} Davis returned to the NFC Championship game for the first time since his rookie season in 2005, the only active Panther to have played in both conference championship games.{{cite web|url=https://www.panthers.com/news/davis-finally-returning-to-nfc-championship-16733942|title=Davis Finally Returning to NFC Championship|website=Panthers.com|date=January 21, 2016}} Davis was knocked out of the conference win in the second quarter with a broken arm, and finished the game with six tackles. He vowed to return for the Super Bowl and went into surgery early the following morning on the arm to uphold that promise.{{cite web|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/01/25/thomas-davis-having-surgery-on-broken-arm-this-morning/|title=Thomas Davis having surgery on broken arm this morning|first=Darin|last=Gantt|date=January 25, 2016}} Davis played in Super Bowl 50. In the game, he recorded seven tackles, but the Panthers fell to the Denver Broncos by a score of 24–10.{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201602070den.htm|title=Super Bowl 50 - Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers - February 7th, 2016|work=Pro-Football-Reference.com|access-date=September 2, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56834/DEN_Gamebook.pdf|title=Super Bowl 50 - National Football League Game Summary|work=NFL.com|access-date=September 2, 2017}} According to Pro Football Focus, Davis had the second-highest coverage grade of any linebacker in the NFL behind only teammate, Luke Kuechly.{{cite web|url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/05/09/pro-top-101-nfl-players-from-2015-nos-76-101/|title=News and Analysis for NFL and Fantasy Football - Pro Football Focus|website=www.profootballfocus.com}} He was ranked 54th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2016/0ap3000000666121/Top-100-Players-of-2016-No-54-Thomas-Davis|title='Top 100 Players of 2016': No. 54 Thomas Davis|website=NFL.com}}

Davis started all 16 games, recording 106 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 4 passes defensed and 3 interceptions. He was named to his second straight Pro Bowl, and was ranked 89th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2017/0ap3000000805761/Top-100-Players-of-2017-No-89-Thomas-Davis|title='Top 100 Players of 2017': No. 89 Thomas Davis|website=NFL.com}}

On August 15, 2017, Davis signed a one-year contract extension with the Panthers through the 2018 season.{{cite web|title=Thomas Davis signs contract extension|url=http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Thomas-Davis-signs-contract-extension/e83f3205-47fa-4cac-aabf-2db50a502e27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021141004/http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Thomas-Davis-signs-contract-extension/e83f3205-47fa-4cac-aabf-2db50a502e27|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 21, 2017|author=Strickland, Bryan|website=Panthers.com|date=August 15, 2017}} On November 3, Davis was fined $48,620 for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Adam Humphries in Week 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.{{cite web|last1=Person|first1=Joseph|title=Panthers LB Thomas Davis blasts NFL after he's fined $48K for hit on Bucs WR|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article182458681.html|publisher=The Charlotte Observer|access-date=November 3, 2017}} On December 18, 2017, Davis was suspended two games after an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit to Packers wide receiver Davante Adams which caused a concussion.{{cite web|title=Thomas Davis suspended two games for hit on Adams|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/thomas-davis-suspended-two-games-for-hit-on-adams-0ap3000000895218|author=Sessler, Marc|website=NFL.com|date=December 18, 2017}} The next day, his suspension was reduced to one game after an appeal.{{cite web|title=Thomas Davis' suspension reduced to one game|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/thomas-davis-suspension-reduced-to-one-game-0ap3000000895760|website=NFL.com|date=December 19, 2017}} He finished the season with 76 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks, on his way to his third straight Pro Bowl. He was ranked 73rd by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6yQb9lqsew NFL Top 100 Players of 2018: No. 73 Thomas Davis]

On January 12, 2018, Davis declared that the 2018 NFL season would be his last one.{{cite web | url=https://sports.yahoo.com/carolina-lb-davis-announces-retirement-following-2018-season-014035625--nfl.html | title=Carolina LB Davis announces retirement following 2018 season | publisher=sports.yahoo.com | agency=Associated Press | date=January 12, 2018 | access-date=January 12, 2018 | archive-date=January 13, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113024506/https://sports.yahoo.com/carolina-lb-davis-announces-retirement-following-2018-season-014035625--nfl.html | url-status=dead }} On April 6, 2018, Davis was suspended the first four games of the 2018 season for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.{{cite web|title=Thomas Davis violates PED policy, will miss four games|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/thomas-davis-violates-ped-policy-will-miss-four-games-0ap3000000925466|website=NFL.com|date=April 6, 2018}} After the season, Davis stated that he would not be returning to the Panthers.{{cite web|title=Davis won't return to Panthers, intends to play in '19|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/davis-won-t-return-to-panthers-intends-to-play-in-19-0ap3000001009391|website=NFL.com|date=January 9, 2019}}

File:Thomas Davis Sr..png

On March 13, 2019, Davis signed a two-year, $10.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.{{cite web|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-agree-to-terms-with-lb-thomas-davis|title= Chargers Agree to Terms with LB Thomas Davis|first=Ricky|last= Henne |work=Chargers.com|date=March 13, 2019}} In the team's season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, he recorded 14 tackles in a 30–24 overtime win.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127972 |title=Ekeler scores 3 TDs in Chargers 30-24 OT win over Colts |date=September 8, 2019 |website=ESPN |access-date=September 8, 2019}} Davis was released on March 13, 2020.{{cite news |title=Chargers Make Pair of Roster Moves, Part Ways with Thomas Davis Sr. and Brandon Mebane |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-release-thomas-davis-sr-and-brandon-mebane |website=Chargers.com |date=March 13, 2020 |access-date=March 13, 2020}}

On March 26, 2020, Davis signed with the Washington Football Team, then known as the Redskins prior to a name change later that offseason.{{cite web |title=Redskins Sign LB Thomas Davis Sr., OL Jeremy Vujnovich |url=https://www.redskins.com/news/redskins-sign-thomas-davis-jeremy-vujnovich |website=Redskins.com |access-date=March 25, 2020}} He announced his plans to retire following the season, with Washington releasing him on March 3, 2021.{{cite web |title=Washington LB Thomas Davis plans to retire after this season |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/washington-lb-thomas-davis-plans-to-retire-after-this-season |website=NFL.com |access-date=December 30, 2020}}{{cite news |author=Smith, Michael David |title=Washington releases Thomas Davis, who plans to retire |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/03/03/washington-releases-thomas-davis-who-plans-to-retire/ |website=NBCSports.com |date=March 3, 2021 |access-date=March 3, 2021}} He signed a one-day contract with the Panthers on March 11.{{cite web |last1=Gantt |first1=Darin |title=Thomas Davis announces retirement, homecoming |url=https://www.panthers.com/news/thomas-davis-announces-retirement-homecoming |website=Panthers.com |access-date=March 4, 2021}}

Davis is married to Kelly Davis and has four children.{{cite web|title=At Home with Thomas Davis and family|url=http://pridemagazineclt.com/at-home-with-thomas-davis-and-family/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126174457/http://pridemagazineclt.com/at-home-with-thomas-davis-and-family/|archive-date=January 26, 2016}} Their wedding was featured on WE tv's "Platinum Weddings."{{cite web | url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1768209/ | title="Platinum Weddings" Kelly & Thomas (TV Episode 2009) - IMDb | website=IMDb }} Davis is an Evangelical Christian.{{cite web | last=Copeland | first=Stephen | title=Chosen: Carolina linebacker Thomas Davis is making the most of his time on, off the field | website=Sports Spectrum | date=2016-01-16 | url=https://sportsspectrum.com/sports-spectrum/2016/01/16/chosen-carolina-linebacker-thomas-davis-is-making-the-most-of-his-time-on-off-the-field/ | access-date=2024-12-25}}{{cite web | title=Panthers Linebacker Wins Bart Starr Award: Christ Is My Leader | website=CBN | date=2016-01-28 | url=https://cbn.com/news/world/panthers-linebacker-wins-bart-starr-award-christ-my-leader | access-date=2024-12-25}} Davis' cousin, Robert Davis, played wide receiver in the NFL.{{cite web|title=Robert Davis Draft Profile|url=http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/robert-davis?id=2558254|website=NFL.com|access-date=April 30, 2017}}

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Category:1983 births

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