Thomas Davis announced in December that the 2020 season would be his last. On Wednesday, the Washington Football Team released Davis so he could retire as a member of the Carolina Panthers, his team for 13 of his 16 seasons in the NFL.
“The time has finally come and I want to thank each of you for supporting me on this journey,” wrote Thomas via Instagram. “The Washington Football Team agreed to release me so that, on March 11, I officially return to the place my heart has always been. When I sign a one-day contract, I will retire from the NFL as Carolina Panther. Panthers, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this opportunity. ”
The 14th overall choice in the 2005 draft, Davis spent the first 13 years of his career with the Carolina Panthers. During his time in Carolina, Davis won each of his three selections in the Pro Bowl, an All-Pro nomination in 2015 and was the 2014 Walter Payton Man of the Year. With Davis in the lineup, the Panthers won five division titles, including three consecutive 2013-15. In 2015, the Panthers recorded a record 15-1 in the regular season en route to the franchise’s second appearance in the Super Bowl. That season, Davis recorded 105 tackles, 5.5 sacks, four interceptions, four forced fumbles and seven defended passes.
Davis spent the 2019 season with the Chargers before meeting with former Panthers coach Ron Rivera in Washington. In seven games, Davis recorded only six tackles. Although not statistically providing much value, Davis provided veteran leadership for a young Washington team that has won its first division title since 2015.