Carolina Panthers: Thank you for everything, Thomas Davis
Linebacker Thomas Davis will not return in 2019.
I feel like I have said this a lot lately and the fact that I have is not a good thing. Another Carolina Panther veteran will no longer be with the team in 2019. Linebacker and fan-favorite Thomas Davis announced on his Twitter account that he will not be a member of the Panthers next season. The team has decided to go in a different direction.
— Thomas Davis (@ThomasDavisSDTM) January 10, 2019
In his video, he said he will “not have the opportunity” to fix what went wrong for Carolina in 2018. I don’t want to speculate and take away from the tremendous career that he has had. As many of you may recall, I wrote an article earlier this week saying that I wanted Davis to come back. I truly believe he would have helped the team in 2019 if only for his veteran leadership. Instead of focusing on the “what ifs” and the “what-could-have-beens”. It is more appropriate to focus on what he has done for the franchise.
He came to Carolina as the 14th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft really and immediately made an impact. He collected numerous accolades throughout his career, including three Pro Bowls and being named a First-Team All-Pro in 2015. The best season of his career came in 2013. That year, he recorded 123 tackles, seven pass deflections, and four sacks. If anything, that season was a microcosm of his career. He always gave his best effort, something that endeared him to Panthers fans throughout his time in the league.
More from Cat Crave
- 4 potential Panthers draft targets who’ll blow up the 2023 NFL Combine
- Carolina Panthers meeting with Derek Carr has additional benefits
- When will Carolina Panthers brass speak at 2023 NFL Combine?
- 4 free-agent defensive ends the Carolina Panthers should target in 2023
- Carolina Panthers linked to veteran LB in free agency mock draft
Davis was a huge part of the Carolina playoff run in the 2015. In three games, he recorded 10 tackles. He served as a spark plug on the defense, and help drive the Panthers to the Super Bowl. As a fan, I wish the Panthers were able to give him one more shot at the big game. Maybe they will win it for him next year.
He was the anchor of the defense for many years. He was always a source of stability and a constant. He never wanted to take plays off and he truly loved the game. I know as a journalist you are supposed to be objective, but I will not be here. I loved watching him play. He was a treat to watch game in and game out. You always knew that Davis is going to be on the field on Sunday. That right there speaks to the level of skill he had. The National Football League is not known for its continuity, and in an ever-evolving game, he remained a constant.
Thank you for everything Thomas Davis. You gave your heart to the organization both on the football field and in the community. Things are to look a lot different without you on the defensive side of the football. You were a staple of this franchise and will be sorely missed.
Davis will definitely go down in Carolina Panthers lore as one of the all-time greats. It may be time to pass the torch, but there is no doubt that he will be hard to replace.