Russell Davis (running back)

Last updated

Russell Davis
Jack Harvey and Russell Davis.png
Davis (right) with track coach Jack Harvey
No. 33, 45
Position: Fullback
Personal information
Born: (1956-09-15) September 15, 1956 (age 67)
Millen, Georgia, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:227 lb (103 kg)
Career information
High school: Woodbridge (VA)
College: Michigan (1975-1978)
NFL draft: 1979  / Round: 4 / Pick: 86
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Rushing yards:474
Receiving yards:45
Kickoff return yards:168
Player stats at PFR

Russell Davis, III (born September 15, 1956) is a former American football player.

Contents

Davis played college football, principally as a fullback, at the University of Michigan from 1975 to 1978. After rushing for 1,092 yards as a junior, he was selected as the Most Valuable Player on the 1977 Michigan Wolverines football team that won the Big Ten Conference championship. As a senior, he was a co-captain of the 1978 Michigan team and a first-team All-Big Ten running back. In four years at Michigan, he carried the ball 523 times for 2,560 yards and 18 touchdowns. He played in the 1979 East–West Shrine Game and set Shrine Game records with six touchdowns and 199 rushing yards.

Davis played professional football as a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1979 to 1983. He appeared in 42 games for the Steelers, only two as a starter, and totaled 472 rushing yards, 168 yards on kickoff returns, and 45 receiving yards.

Early years

Davis was born in Millen, Georgia, in 1956. [1] He began high school at Hayfield High School in Fairfax County, Virginia, but transferred prior to his junior year to Woodbridge High School in Woodbridge, Virginia. [2]

At the start of his junior year, Davis had never played football. [3] Woodbridge's football coach spotted the 6 feet 2, 215 pound track athlete and suggested he try out for the football team. [3] He was an immediate success as a football player. In two years at Woodbridge, he played running back and rushed for 3,399 yards, averaging 9.1 yards per carry. [2]

Davis was one of the most heavily recruited high school football players in Northern Virginia history, [2] with more than 270 scholarship offers, [3] including offers from USC, Alabama, Tennessee, Maryland, North Carolina and Georgia Tech, among others. In February 1975, he committed to the University of Michigan. [2]

University of Michigan

Davis enrolled at the University of Michigan in the fall of 1975 and played college football for head coach Bo Schembechler's Michigan Wolverines football teams from 1975 to 1978. [4]

1975 season

As a true freshman, Davis was a backup tailback behind Gordon Bell on the 1975 Michigan Wolverines football team. [5] Davis carried the ball 40 times for 178 rushing yards and two touchdowns and caught two passes for 21 yards in 1975. [6]

1976 season

As a sophomore, Davis was moved to the fullback position. He started three games at fullback (Rob Lytle started the other nine) for the 1976 Michigan team that compiled a 10-2 record, outscored opponents 432-95, and finished the season ranked #3 in the final AP Poll. [7] On 105 carries, Davis rushed for 596 yards, five touchdowns, and a career-high 5.7 yards per carry. [6] On September 18, 1976, in a 51-0 victory over Stanford, Davis was one of three Michigan backs who each gained over 100 rushing yards, as Harlan Huckleby gained 157 yards, Davis gained 116 and Rob Lytle added 100 yards. [6]

1977 season

Davis had his best season as a junior in 1977. He started all 12 games at fullback [8] and totaled 1,092 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 225 carries. He also caught 15 passes for 174 yards and a touchdown. [6] Davis was selected as the Most Valuable Player on the 1977 Michigan team that compiled a 10-2 record, tied for the Big Ten championship, and finished the season ranked #9 in the final AP Poll. [8] [9] In the 1978 Rose Bowl loss to Washington Huskies football, Davis had 79 rushing yards, 26 receiving yards and a touchdown. [6]

1978 season

As a senior, Davis was selected co-captain of the 1978 Michigan team that again compiled a 10-2 record, repeated as Big Ten co-champions, and finished the season ranked #5 in the final AP Poll. [10] Davis started all 12 games at fullback and rushed for 683 yards on 153 carries. [6] [10] At the end of the 1978 season, he was selected by the conference coaches as a first-team running back on the 1978 All-Big Ten team. [11]

In January 1979, Davis played in the East–West Shrine Game in Palo Alto, California, and rushed for 199 yards scored six touchdowns, including five touchdowns in the second half, as the East team defeated the West team by a 56-17 score. [12] [13] Davis set Shrine Game records both with his six touchdowns and his 199 rushing yards. [12] After the game, Davis said, "I'm going home and rest . . . I'll sit back and watch the rest of them (games) on TV." [14]

Career statistics

In four years at Michigan, Davis played in three Rose Bowl games, carried the ball 523 times and totaled of 2,550 rushing yards (4.9 yards per carry) and 18 rushing touchdowns. [6] He had five games in which he rushed for at least 100 yards, including a career-high 134 yards against Purdue in 1978. [6]

Professional football

Davis was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round (86th overall pick) of the 1979 NFL Draft. [1] Due to a broken arm, he missed the entire 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers season in which the team won Super Bowl XIV. [15] In 1980, Davis appeared in 14 games for the Steelers, including two games as the team's starting running back. He carried the ball 33 times for 132 yards and a touchdown in 1980. [1] In his second season in the NFL, he carried the ball 47 times for 270 yards and a touchdown, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. [1]

Davis's playing career was cut short by sarcoidosis, a condition that causes lung scarring and a diminished breathing capacity. [3] He saw only limited action as a backup in 1982 and 1983. In four NFL seasons, he appeared in 42 games and totaled 474 rushing yards on 104 carries, two touchdowns and an average of 4.7 yards per carry. [1]

Family and later years

Davis married his high school sweetheart, Brenda. He has two adult children, Loren Parker and Russell Davis IV. [3] Davis moved to Jackson, Michigan, in the mid-1980s. In 1990, he became employed as a truancy officer for the Jackson Public Schools. He became the athletic director for the Jackson Public Schools in 1997 and held that job until 2010 when he retired at age 53 for health reasons. [16]

Davis was one of 4,500 former NFL players to make a claim against the NFL for long-term health problems resulting from their years playing in the league. Davis stated that he could not recall how many concussions he suffered while playing in the NFL, but he recalled one game in which a blow caused him to lose his vision and be hospitalized. He contended that he suffered from progressive memory loss and anxiety as a result of his football injuries. In 2013, the claims were settled upon an agreement to establish a $765 million fund for the benefit of the former players. At the time of the settlement, Davis expressed satisfaction, saying, "The players need help, immediate help. Guys are getting worse." [17]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rob Lytle</span> American football player (1954–2010)

Robert William Lytle was an American professional football player in the National Football League (NFL).

Leroy J. Hoard is an American former football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for 10 seasons for the Cleveland Browns from 1990 to 1995 and the Minnesota Vikings from 1996 to 1999. He also played briefly for the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens during the 1996 NFL season. In a 10-year NFL career, Hoard appeared in 144 games, totaled 3,964 rushing yards and 2,430 receiving yards and scored 51 touchdowns.

Jarrod Ray Bunch is an American former football player, and former head coach of the Beverly Hills High School football team. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines from 1986 to 1990. He was the first-round pick for the New York Giants in the 1991 NFL draft. Bunch was named New York Giants Offensive Player of the Year in 1992. In the 1993 training camp, Bunch sustained a knee injury that tore ligaments in his knee that sidelined him for seven weeks; upon his return, his ability to play was greatly affected. After multiple surgeries in the offseason, his contract with the Giants was terminated after he failed a physical examination before the start of 1994 season. He signed with Los Angeles Raiders two weeks later. Bunch retired from football in 1995. He is the president of the NFLPA former players Los Angeles Chapter. He and his wife Robin Emtage live in Beverly Hills, California.

Christopher Michael Floyd is a former American football player. He played college football as a fullback for the University of Michigan from 1994 to 1997. As a senior, he was a member of the undefeated national champion 1997 Michigan Wolverines football team. He played professional football in the National Football League (NFL), principally as a special team player, for the New England Patriots from 1998 to 2000 and briefly for the Cleveland Browns at the end of the 2000 season.

Ralph Darrell Clayton is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for the St. Louis Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). A native of Detroit, Michigan, Clayton played college football as a "wingback" for the University of Michigan from 1976 to 1979 and was the leading receiver for the Michigan Wolverines football team in both 1977 and 1978. After being selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 1980 NFL draft, Clayton missed the 1980 NFL season due to injury. He later signed with St. Louis and appeared in seven games for the Cardinals during the 1981 NFL season.

Lawrence Tallmagde Ricks is a former American football player. He played college football as a tailback for the University of Michigan from 1979 to 1982 and was selected as a first-team running back on the 1982 All-Big Ten Conference football team. He also played professional football as a backup running back and kick returner for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL) in 1983 and 1984.

Harlan Charles Huckleby is a former professional American football running back and kick returner who was drafted by the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Over the course of his NFL career he accumulated nearly 2500 all-purpose yards, with over half of that being return yards. He had played for three Michigan Wolverines football Big Ten Conference Champions. He also was a member of the Michigan Wolverines track team for one season where he became a Big Ten Champion and All-American as a member of the 4x400m relay race team. He had also been a four-time Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) state champion in track and field. He played high school football at Cass Technical High School, graduating in 1975.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1964 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1964 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1964 Big Ten Conference football season. In their sixth year under head coach Bump Elliott, the Wolverines compiled a 9–1 record, won the Big Ten Conference championship for the first time since 1950, and defeated Oregon State in the 1965 Rose Bowl by a score of 34–7. The 1964 Wolverines defeated four teams ranked in the Top 10 in the AP Poll by a combined score of 82 to 17 and finished the regular season ranked No. 4 in both the AP and Coaches' polls. Although no post-bowl polls were taken in the 1964 season, Oregon State coach Tommy Prothro opined after watching game film from the Rose Bowl that the 1964 Wolverines were "the greatest football team he has ever seen."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1975 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1975 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1975 Big Ten Conference football season. In it seventh season under head coach Bo Schembechler, Michigan compiled an 8–2–2 record, outscored all opponents by a total of 324 to 130, and was ranked No. 8 in the final AP and UPI polls.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1969 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1969 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1969 Big Ten Conference football season. In their first year under head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines compiled an 8–3 record, played in the 1970 Rose Bowl, and finished the season ranked No. 9 in the final AP poll and No. 8 in the final UPI poll.

David Elmer "Bo" Rather was an American football player. He played college football for the University of Michigan from 1970 to 1972 and professional football as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Miami Dolphins in 1973 and 1978 and for the Chicago Bears from 1974 to 1978. In six years of playing in the NFL, Rather appeared in 64 games and had 92 receptions for 1,467 yards and seven touchdowns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lou Baldacci</span> American football player (born 1934)

Louis Granville Baldacci is a former American football player. He played college football for the University of Michigan from 1953 to 1955 and was the starting quarterback for the 1953 and 1954 Michigan Wolverines football teams. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1956 NFL Draft and played ten games as a halfback in the 1956 NFL season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1979 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1979 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1979 Big Ten Conference football season. In its 100th season of intercollegiate football, the 11th under head coach Bo Schembechler, Michigan compiled an 8–4 record, lost to North Carolina in the 1979 Gator Bowl, was ranked No. 18 in the final AP Poll, and outscored opponents by a total of 312 to 151.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1978 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1978 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1978 Big Ten Conference football season. In their 10th season under head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines compiled a 10–2 record, tied for the Big Ten championship, outscored opponents by a total of 372 to 105, and were ranked No. 5 in the final AP and UPI polls. The defense allowed only 94.6 passing yards per game and ranked second in the country in scoring defense, allowing an average of only 8.75 points per game.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1977 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1977 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1977 Big Ten Conference football season. In its ninth year under head coach Bo Schembechler, the team compiled a 10–2 record, tied with Ohio State for the Big Ten Conference championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 353 to 124. The Wolverines were ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll midway through the season but were upset by the unranked Minnesota Golden Gophers. In the final game of the regular season, Michigan beat No. 4 Ohio State but lost to No. 13 Washington in the 1978 Rose Bowl. In the final AP and UPI polls, Michigan was ranked No. 9 and No. 8, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1976 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1976 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1976 Big Ten Conference football season. In their eighth year under head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines finished the season with a 10–2 record, won the Big Ten Conference championship, and played in the 1977 Rose Bowl. The Wolverines outscored their opponents 432 to 95 and ranked first in the country in total offense, scoring offense, and scoring defense. In the final AP and UPI Polls, Michigan was ranked #3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1974 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1974 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1974 Big Ten Conference football season. In their sixth year under head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines compiled a 10–1 record, outscored opponents 324 to 75, and were ranked #3 in final AP Poll. Michigan won the first ten games of the 1974 season in convincing fashion, including blowout victories over Colorado (31-0), Navy (52-0), Minnesota (49-0), and Purdue (51-0). In the final game of the season, #2 Michigan faced #3 Ohio State. The Wolverines lost by a score of 12-10, as place-kicker Mike Lantry missed a last-minute field goal that would have given Michigan a victory.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fred Baer</span> American football player (1932–2007)

Frederick N. Baer was an American football player. He played at the fullback position for the University of Michigan from 1952 to 1954. He was chosen as the Most Valuable Player on the 1954 Michigan Wolverines football team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gil Chapman</span> American football player (born 1953)

Gil Chapman is a former American football player, politician and businessman.

Ed Shuttlesworth is a former American football fullback.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Russell Davis". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Michigan lands Davis". The Free Lance-Star (VA). February 22, 1975. p. 9.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Stephen A. Norris (November 29, 2007). "Gridiron Play Was Defining In the Life of '74 Standout". The Washington Post.
  4. ↑ "Michigan Football Roster Database". University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  5. ↑ "1975 Football Team". University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Michigan Football Statistic Archive Query Page". University of Michigan. Archived from the original on May 24, 2013. Retrieved April 10, 2015.(to retrieve Davis's statistics, enter "davis" in the box for the player's last name and "russell" in the box for player's first name)
  7. ↑ "1976 Football Team". University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  8. 1 2 "1977 Football Team". University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  9. ↑ "Russell Davis honored". The Free Lance-Star (AP story). November 23, 1977. p. 14.
  10. 1 2 "1978 Football Team". University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  11. ↑ "Michigan, Michigan State Dominate All-Big Ten Team". The Hour, Norwalk, Connecticut. November 29, 1978. p. 27.
  12. 1 2 "Davis Scores 6 as East Wins". Milwaukee Journal. January 7, 1979. p. 9.
  13. ↑ "Leach sparks East win". Chicago Tribune. January 5, 1979. pp. 4–5.
  14. ↑ "Russell Davis Shines at the Shrine (1979)". MVictors.com. April 17, 2013. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
  15. ↑ "Wolverine backs falter in pro ranks". The Michigan Daily. September 18, 1980. p. 12.
  16. ↑ Bob Wheaton (August 13, 2010). "Russell Davis confirms he is stepping down as Jackson High School athletic director for 'health concerns'". Mlive.com .
  17. ↑ "Russell Davis welcomes concussion agreement with the NFL". Inside Nova. August 29, 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.