Michael Davis Bio
Michael Keith Davis II is an American professional football cornerback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the BYU Cougars and signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Davis has also played for the Washington Commanders, building a reputation as a reliable coverage defender over multiple seasons.
Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 205 pounds, Davis uses his size and speed to match up with a variety of receivers. After working his way up from an undrafted rookie to a multi-year starter, he has remained a steady presence on the boundary throughout his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Michael Keith Davis II was born on January 6, 1995, in Glendale, California. He was raised in a multicultural household by an African American father and a Mexican mother, and was raised Catholic by his mother. Growing up in the Glendale area, he developed a competitive athletic foundation that would later support his transition into high-level football.
Davis attended Glendale High School, where he played both football and ran track and field. During his senior football season, he earned first-team All-CIF, league, and area honors, signaling his emerging status as a defensive prospect. His combination of length, speed, and football instincts made him a priority recruit for college programs evaluating perimeter defenders.
On the track, Davis was a dominant sprinter, winning the Pacific League title in the 100-meter dash three consecutive years and in the 200-meter dash four consecutive years. He recorded personal bests of 10.5 seconds in the 100 meters and 21.3 seconds in the 200 meters. He also qualified for the California State Championship Meet in the 200 meters during his junior and senior years, finishing seventh overall in 2012 and fifth overall in 2013.
Path to American Football
After high school, Davis chose to attend Brigham Young University, where he played for the BYU Cougars from 2013 to 2016. Over four college seasons, he totaled 110 tackles and 17 pass break-ups, developing into a consistent presence on the outside. His coverage skills and willingness to support the run game made him a reliable option for the BYU defensive staff.
During his senior season, Davis briefly lost his starting position, but he continued to contribute off the bench in critical moments. His most memorable college play came on the road against Michigan State, when he recorded an interception and returned it 40 yards. That turnover helped the Cougars secure a 31–14 upset victory and reinforced his playmaking ability on a national stage.
Despite his production, Davis went unselected in the 2017 NFL Draft. He signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2017, beginning his professional journey. The path from undrafted rookie to long-term starter required patience and persistence, but his size, speed, and special-teams value gave him a foundation to compete for a roster spot.
Michael Davis Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Davis was waived by the Los Angeles Chargers on September 2, 2017, but was signed to the team’s practice squad the next day. He was promoted to the active roster on September 16, 2017, and gradually worked his way into a larger defensive role. Over the next two seasons, he developed into a dependable cornerback who could handle multiple coverage assignments.
On November 22, 2019, Davis was suspended two games by the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He was reinstated on December 9, 2019, and activated two days later, finishing the season with his team. Despite the setback, he remained committed to his development and prepared for an expanded role the following year.
Los Angeles Chargers Breakthrough (2020–2023)
On April 9, 2020, Davis was re-signed to a one-year, $3.259 million contract with the Chargers, reflecting the organization’s growing confidence in his ability. During Week 4 of that season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he intercepted a pass from Tom Brady and returned it 78 yards for a touchdown during a 38–31 loss. The play highlighted his instincts, ball skills, and ability to change a game in an instant.
On March 15, 2021, Davis signed a three-year contract extension with the Chargers worth $25.2 million, cementing his status as a long-term member of the secondary. Throughout his time in Los Angeles, he became a key contributor on defense and on special teams, providing leadership and physicality on the boundary.
Following the 2023 season, Davis moved on from the Chargers and entered the next chapter of his career. His tenure in Los Angeles transformed him from an undrafted free agent into a multi-year starter and one of the more durable players on the roster.
Washington Commanders Era (2024)
Davis signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders on March 18, 2024, bringing veteran experience to the team’s secondary. He appeared in 15 games during the regular season and made two starts, recording 14 tackles and one pass deflection. His role focused primarily on rotational coverage and support duties within the defensive game plan.
Although the Commanders deactivated Davis for all three post-season games, his steady presence helped stabilize the cornerback room throughout the year. After the season concluded, he prepared to evaluate his next professional opportunity.
New Orleans Saints Era (2025–Present)
On October 7, 2025, Davis signed with the New Orleans Saints, joining the team midseason. The move gave him a chance to contribute immediately as the Saints worked to reinforce their defensive backfield. His experience across multiple defensive schemes positioned him as a useful addition for the back stretch of the campaign.
Driving Style and Strengths
Davis is known for his combination of size, length, and speed at the cornerback position, allowing him to match up with larger outside receivers. He shows strong ball skills in coverage and has delivered several game-changing interceptions throughout his career. His track background contributes to clean footwork and the acceleration needed to stay with receivers down the field.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Davis’s career came in 2020 when he intercepted Tom Brady and returned the pick 78 yards for a touchdown. His multi-year contract extension with the Chargers in 2021 marked a major financial milestone for a player who entered the league as an undrafted free agent. He has also been recognized for his durability, appearing in games consistently across multiple seasons.
Michael Davis Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Michael Keith Davis II has built a reputation as a dependable cornerback rather than a ball-hawking turnover machine. His standout performance against Tampa Bay in 2020 remains the signature play of his resume. He has earned recognition through contract extensions and sustained roster roles with multiple NFL organizations.
Los Angeles Chargers Highlights
Davis spent the bulk of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers from 2017 through 2023, evolving from a practice squad player into a multi-year starter. His interception return for a touchdown against Tom Brady in 2020 stands out as one of the most memorable individual plays of his tenure. He also played a key role on special teams and contributed to a competitive Chargers defense during his prime years.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his Chargers tenure, Davis contributed as a rotational defensive back for the Washington Commanders in 2024, appearing in 15 games and delivering steady play on the boundary. His midseason signing with the New Orleans Saints in 2025 reflects continued demand for his experience and skill set.
Michael Davis Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Davis’s extended family is limited. He has acknowledged his African American father and his Mexican mother, noting that he was raised Catholic by his mother. His multicultural upbringing helped shape the discipline and work ethic that carried him through his athletic development.
Personal Life
Davis identifies as Catholic and has spoken about the role his faith plays in his daily life. Details about a spouse, partner, or children have not been publicly confirmed. He has continued to live and train in the United States while playing for NFL teams across the country.
2025 Season Performance
Davis joined the New Orleans Saints on October 7, 2025, entering the back half of the season with an opportunity to bolster the team’s secondary. His arrival added experienced depth at cornerback and gave the Saints additional flexibility in their coverage packages. He is expected to compete for a meaningful role on defense while contributing on special teams.
Throughout the 2025 season, Davis has continued to lean on the veteran presence that defined his Chargers and Commanders tenures. His size, speed, and familiarity with multiple defensive schemes should allow him to adapt quickly to the Saints’ system. Coaches view him as a reliable option in obvious passing situations and as a mentor for younger defensive backs.
Looking ahead, Davis’s late-season signing positions him to remain a contributor for New Orleans while keeping his long-term career options open. If he delivers consistent play down the stretch, he could position himself for another contract in the next league year. His journey from undrafted free agent to multi-team veteran underscores the value of perseverance in professional football.