Washington Football Team linebacker and former Carolina Panther Thomas Davis Sr. said in an Instagram post Tuesday that he will retire after the 2020 season, ESPN reported.
Davis, 37, has played 16 years in the NFL -- the first 14 with Carolina and then the last two with the Los Angeles Chargers and Washington.
Davis has served mostly in a backup role with Washington (6-9) this season.
Davis Instagram post: “Sometimes things can happen that cause you to feel unworthy, just know that No man can steal what God had already planned for your life! I’m extremely blessed and thankful for every opportunity that I’ve earned because nothing is ever given to you! You work your butt off and you pray that God’s plan aligns with yours!”
Washington coach Ron Rivera signed him because of Davis’ leadership and his familiarity with what Rivera wanted from his players.
[Beloved LB Thomas Davis says he’s done with Panthers after 14 seasons]
Rivera trusted Davis because of how he played for him in Carolina, where he made the Pro Bowl three consecutive seasons, from 2015-17. He was a first team All-Pro performer in 2015, the year Carolina reached the Super Bowl. Davis signed a two-year deal with the Chargers in 2019 but was released last offseason.
Carolina drafted Davis with the 14th overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft; he had played linebacker and free safety at Georgia. He was considered a top safety prospect before that draft, but the Panthers moved him to linebacker. His speed and athleticism helped him have success in the NFL.
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