Todd Davis (born May 17, 1992) is a former American football linebacker of the National Football League (NFL) and podcast host for DNVR. He played college football at Sacramento State University and attended Paraclete High School in Lancaster, California. He has also been a member of the New Orleans Saints, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings. Davis retired in 2021 at the age of 29.
Early years
Davis played high school football for the Paraclete High School Spirits. He was named first team all-state small schools as a senior after recording 119 tackles, including three sacks.
College career
Davis played 45 games for the Sacramento State Hornets from 2010 to 2013, and finished his collegiate career ranked second in school history with 351 tackles (157 solo) in addition to totaling 9.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, three interceptions, six passes defensed and one blocked kick. In 2010, Davis recorded 21 total tackles as a freshman. In 2011, Davis finished with 96 total tackles averaging 8.7 per game, one sack, 5.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, and one interception as a sophomore. In 2012, Davis finished with 103 total tackles averaging 9.4 per game, 3.5 sacks, 13.5 tackles for a loss, one fumble recovered, and two pass breakups. He was named second-team All-Big Sky and the team's defensive MVP as a junior. In 2013, Davis finished with 131 tackles averaging 10.9 per game, five sacks, 10 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, four passes broken up, and one block as a senior. He was named a first-team All-Big Sky Conference selection and second-team All-America choice by The Sports Network following his senior year.
Professional career
New Orleans Saints
2014
On June 24, 2014, the New Orleans Saints signed Davis to a three-year, $1.53 million contract as an undrafted free agent. On August 31, 2014, the New Orleans Saints waived Davis as part of their final roster cuts, but signed him to the practice squad the following day. On September 4, 2014, the New Orleans Saints released Davis from their practice squad.
On October 18, 2014, the New Orleans Saints signed Davis to their active roster. On October 19, 2014, Davis made his professional regular season debut during a 24–23 loss at the Detroit Lions in Week 7. On November 12, 2014, the New Orleans Saints waived Davis with intentions of re-signing him to their practice squad. The NFL investigated if the New Orleans Saints stashed Davis in their practice facility in order to thwart a claim on the waiver wire by the Denver Broncos. The NFL later cleared the New Orleans Saints of any wrongdoing.
Denver Broncos
On November 13, 2014, the Denver Broncos claimed Davis off of waivers and added him to their active roster. On December 22, 2014, Davis earned his first career start after Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan both sustained injuries. He finished the Broncos' 37–28 loss at the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football with a season-high eight combined tackles. The following week, he recorded six combined tackles and a season-high two pass deflections during a 47–14 victory against the Oakland Raiders in Week 17. He finished his rookie season in 2014 with 22 combined tackles (14 solo) and two pass deflections in nine games and two starts.
The Denver Broncos finished first in the AFC West with a 12–4 record and earned a first round bye. On January 11, 2015, Davis appeared in his first career playoff game and recorded six combined tackles as the Broncos lost 24–13 to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional Round.
2015
On January 12, 2015, the Denver Broncos announced their decision to part ways with head coach John Fox. Throughout training camp, Davis competed for a role as a starting inside linebacker against Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall. Head coach Gary Kubiak named Davis a backup inside linebacker to begin the regular season, behind Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan. In Week 17, he collected a season-high five solo tackles during a 27–20 win against the San Diego Chargers. He finished the season with 21 combined tackles (15 solo) and seven special teams tackles in 16 games and two starts.
The Denver Broncos finished first in the AFC West with a 12–4 record and earned a first round bye. The Denver Broncos defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 23–16 in the AFC Divisional Round and the New England Patriots 20–18 in the AFC Championship Game. On February 7, 2016, Davis appeared in Super Bowl 50 as the Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24–10.