Michael Davis Bio
Michael Keith Davis II (born January 6, 1995) is an American professional football cornerback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 ft 2 in and weighing around 196 lb, he plays a physical style at the cornerback position. Michael Keith Davis II attended Brigham Young University and has built his NFL career on special teams play and opportunistic defensive contributions. He is recognized for his journey from undrafted free agent to multi-year NFL starter.
Early Life and Background
Michael Keith Davis II was born on January 6, 1995, in Glendale, California, and grew up in the same community where he later became a high school standout. He is the son of an African American father and a Mexican mother, and he was raised Catholic by his mother. His multicultural upbringing shaped his identity from an early age and grounded him in a strong family environment.
Davis attended Glendale High School, where he competed in both football and track and field. During his senior year, he earned first-team All-CIF, league, and area honors for his play on the gridiron. On the track, he won the Pacific League title in the 100-meter sprint three consecutive years and in the 200-meter sprint four consecutive years, posting bests of 10.5 seconds in the 100 and 21.3 seconds in the 200. He qualified for the California State Championship Meet in the 200 during his junior and senior seasons, finishing seventh overall in 2012 and fifth overall in 2013.
Path to American Football
Following high school, Michael Keith Davis II enrolled at Brigham Young University, where he played cornerback for the BYU Cougars from 2013 through 2016. Over four college seasons, he recorded 110 tackles and 17 pass breakups while developing into a reliable perimeter defender. His time at BYU gave him the experience and visibility needed to pursue a professional opportunity at the next level.
Although he lost his starting role at points during his senior season, Davis delivered one of the defining moments of his college career off the bench. In a road game against Michigan State, he intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards, helping the Cougars secure a 31–14 upset victory. That play showcased his ball skills and proved instrumental in earning an NFL opportunity as an undrafted free agent.
Michael Davis Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
The Los Angeles Chargers signed Michael Keith Davis II as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2017, beginning his professional journey. He was waived on September 2, 2017, but was signed to the Chargers’ practice squad the next day and promoted to the active roster on September 16, 2017. He spent his early NFL seasons rotating between the active roster and the practice squad, learning the league’s demands.
On November 22, 2019, Davis was suspended two games by the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He was reinstated from suspension on December 9, 2019, and activated two days later. The experience served as a turning point in his young career, motivating him to focus on long-term roster security.
Los Angeles Chargers Breakthrough (2020–2023)
On April 9, 2020, the Chargers re-signed Michael Keith Davis II to a one-year, $3.259 million contract, signaling their belief in his development. In Week 4 of that season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he intercepted a pass thrown by Tom Brady and returned it 78 yards for a touchdown during a 38–31 loss. The play announced him as a playmaker in the secondary and helped cement his role on the team.
On March 15, 2021, Davis signed a three-year contract extension with the Chargers worth 25.2 million dollars, a remarkable commitment to an undrafted player. He continued to start for the Chargers through the 2023 season, establishing himself as a veteran presence in the secondary. Across his Chargers tenure, he grew into one of the more dependable corners on the roster and a contributor on special teams.
Washington Commanders Era (2024)
On March 18, 2024, Michael Keith Davis II signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders, beginning a new chapter in his career. He finished the 2024 regular season with 14 tackles and one pass deflection over 15 games, including two starts. Although his defensive snaps were limited, he remained a reliable veteran in the locker room.
The Commanders deactivated Davis for all three postseason games that the team played in, ending his Washington tenure without a playoff appearance. Despite the limited role, his experience and professionalism were valued during the team’s deep postseason run.
New Orleans Saints Era (2025–Present)
On October 7, 2025, Michael Keith Davis II signed with the New Orleans Saints, joining the team midseason as a veteran reinforcement. He made 11 appearances for New Orleans, playing primarily as a special teamer, and recorded four combined tackles during his time on the active roster. His role reflected the value he brings as a steady, experienced depth piece.
On January 2, 2026, the Saints placed Davis on season-ending injured reserve due to a shoulder injury suffered in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. The injury cut short his first season in New Orleans but did not diminish the leadership he provided throughout the campaign.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most memorable moments of Michael Keith Davis II’s career came on September 27, 2020, when he intercepted Tom Brady and returned the pick 78 yards for a touchdown. His interception and 40-yard return against Michigan State during his senior season at BYU also stands out as a career-defining play. Going from undrafted free agent in 2017 to a multi-year, $25.2 million contract extension in 2021 marks one of the most impressive rags-to-riches stories in recent NFL memory.
Michael Davis Career Wins
While cornerback statistics differ from wins on the track, Michael Keith Davis II has built a strong professional résumé through consistent production and signature plays. His interception return for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020 remains a defining individual achievement.
Los Angeles Chargers Highlights
Michael Keith Davis II spent seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers from 2017 to 2023, evolving from a practice squad player into a multi-year starter. His three-year, $25.2 million contract extension in March 2021 represented one of the most significant commitments the team made to a homegrown, undrafted cornerback.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his Chargers tenure, Davis contributed as a veteran leader during short stints with the Washington Commanders in 2024 and the New Orleans Saints in 2025. His special teams contributions and steady presence in the secondary have extended his NFL career into a ninth professional season.
Michael Davis Family
Personal Life
Michael Keith Davis II is a practicing Catholic, a faith instilled in him by his mother during his upbringing in Glendale, California. His multicultural background and family values continue to shape his identity away from football.
2025 Season Performance
Michael Keith Davis II joined the New Orleans Saints on October 7, 2025, midseason, and quickly slotted into a special teams role. He appeared in 11 games for New Orleans, recording four combined tackles while serving as a veteran presence on coverage units. His steady play helped stabilize the Saints’ secondary depth during the back half of the schedule.
Davis’s 2025 campaign was cut short on January 2, 2026, when he was placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a shoulder injury sustained in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans. Despite the injury, he remained a respected voice in the locker room throughout the year.
Looking ahead, Michael Keith Davis II is expected to recover fully from his shoulder injury and remains under contract with the Saints heading into the next league year. His versatility on special teams and experience in multiple defensive schemes make him a strong candidate to return to a meaningful role in 2026.