Kalia Davis Bio
Kalia Davis is an American professional football defensive tackle who has played in the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 2, 1998, in Pensacola, Florida, Davis played college football for the UCF Knights before being selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 310 pounds, he has built his career on the defensive interior, working to disrupt opposing offenses.
After spending his first four professional seasons with the 49ers, Davis signed with the Cleveland Browns in March 2026, beginning a new chapter in his career. Over the course of his NFL journey, he has battled injuries while showing flashes of the potential that made him a draft pick, including recording his first career interception against the Kansas City Chiefs. His combination of size, athleticism, and perseverance has defined his path through professional football.
Early Life and Background
Kalia Davis was born on October 2, 1998, in Pensacola, Florida. He is the son of Kenneth Davis II and Antoinette Rivera, and he grew up as the third of six siblings. His family provided the foundation for his athletic development, and the Pensacola area offered him early opportunities to explore contact sports.
Davis attended West Florida Tech High School in Pensacola, Florida, where he developed as a football player. During his senior year, recruiting analysts recognized his talent, ranking him as the 41st inside linebacker in the nation. ESPN evaluated him as a three-star recruit, reflecting both his physical tools and his room to grow before reaching the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
Coming out of high school as a three-star prospect, Davis chose to continue his football career at the University of Central Florida, home of the UCF Knights. His time in college football allowed him to develop the technique and strength needed to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
In 2017, as a member of the UCF program, Davis was part of a Colley Matrix national championship squad, an early highlight that foreshadowed the team success he would experience. His college development positioned him for an opportunity in the NFL, where he would eventually be selected in the 2022 draft after completing his tenure with the Knights from 2017 through 2021.
Kalia Davis Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Davis was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round, 220th overall, of the 2022 NFL Draft. On June 2, 2022, he signed his rookie contract, a four-year deal valued at more than $3.8 million. The contract represented the official start of his professional career and gave him a foothold on a roster known for its defensive line talent.
His early professional years were marked by adjustment and adversity. On August 23, 2022, Davis was placed on the reserve and non-football injury list, putting his rookie campaign on hold as he worked to return to full health. Despite the setback, he remained committed to his development and continued to build relationships within the 49ers organization.
San Francisco 49ers Breakthrough (2022–2025)
Davis spent his first four NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, gradually working his way into the defensive rotation. After dealing with injuries early in his career, he remained focused on earning a meaningful role along the defensive line. His persistence paid off as he began contributing more consistently on game days.
In 2024, Davis faced another injury challenge when it was announced on August 12 that he would undergo knee surgery, an injury expected to sideline him for roughly half the season. He was placed on injured reserve on August 27, but he worked his way back and was activated on October 5. That same season, in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs, he recorded his first career interception, returning it for 2 yards in an 18-28 loss. The play highlighted his athleticism and awareness as a defensive tackle.
Cleveland Browns Era (2026–Present)
On March 19, 2026, Davis signed with the Cleveland Browns on a one-year contract worth $3 million. The move marked a fresh start for the veteran defensive tackle, giving him an opportunity to take on a larger role with a new franchise. The Browns added him to bolster their defensive front and provide experienced depth along the interior.
Davis now wears number 93 for the Browns and enters this stage of his career with multiple seasons of NFL experience behind him. His transition from San Francisco to Cleveland represents a chance to build on the growth he showed late in his 49ers tenure.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a defensive tackle, Davis relies on his combination of size, strength, and quickness to disrupt both the run and the pass. His listed measurements of 6 feet 2 inches and around 310 pounds give him the anchor needed to hold up at the point of attack, while his athleticism allows him to make plays in space, such as his first career interception. He has worked to develop his technique as a pass rusher and his ability to read offensive schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Davis’s career came in Week 7 of the 2024 season, when he recorded his first career interception against the Kansas City Chiefs. The play was a memorable milestone for a defensive tackle and showcased his ball skills. Earlier, his selection in the 2022 NFL Draft and his role on a Colley Matrix national championship team at UCF in 2017 marked the key achievements that shaped his journey.
Kalia Davis Career Statistics
Through his career in the NFL, Davis has compiled totals that reflect his role as a rotational defensive tackle. His statistical contributions include work against the run, pressure on the quarterback, and occasional plays in coverage, most notably his lone interception. As of the end of the 2025 season, his career totals stand at 41 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 pass deflections, and 1 interception.
Defensive Production
Davis’s 41 total tackles reflect his contributions as a defensive lineman who regularly finds himself around the football. His 1.5 sacks demonstrate his ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt passing plays. The 4 pass deflections highlight his awareness in the passing game, while his single interception stands as a signature play from his 49ers tenure.
Other Performances
In addition to his NFL production, Davis was part of the UCF team that earned Colley Matrix national championship honors in 2017. That collegiate achievement laid the groundwork for his professional career and remains one of his most notable team successes.
Kalia Davis Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Davis was born in Pensacola, Florida, to Kenneth Davis II and Antoinette Rivera. He grew up as the third of six siblings, an experience that helped shape his competitive nature and his understanding of teamwork. His family remained an important part of his life as he pursued his football career from high school through the professional ranks.
Personal Life
Beyond his role as a professional athlete, Davis has focused much of his public life on his football career. His journey from Pensacola to the NFL reflects the support of his family and his own dedication to the sport. He continues to pursue his professional goals as a member of the Cleveland Browns.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Davis’s final year with the San Francisco 49ers before his move to Cleveland. After recovering from the knee surgery that limited him in 2024, he returned to action and contributed as part of the defensive tackle rotation. His role within the 49ers’ defense continued to evolve as he gained more experience within the system.
Throughout the 2025 campaign, Davis worked to build on the momentum of his late-2024 interception and his return from injured reserve. He continued to add to his career totals, finishing the season with 41 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 pass deflections, and 1 interception. The season provided a foundation for his next chapter.
With his March 2026 signing with the Cleveland Browns, Davis entered the 2026 season looking to expand his role with a new organization. His experience and familiarity with multiple defensive schemes positioned him as a potential contributor along the Browns’ interior defensive line as he continues his NFL career.
