Stephen Davis (football player)

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See also Stephen Davis (music journalist) for the American music writer.

Stephen Davis
Date of birth	March 1, 1974 (age 33)
Place of birth	Spartanburg, SC
Height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight	230 lb (105 kg)
Position(s)	Running Back
College	Auburn
NFL Draft	1996 / Round 4 / Pick 102
Pro Bowls	2000, 2004
Statistics	Pro Football Reference CBS.com
Team(s)
1996–2002 2003–2005 2006-present	Washington Redskins Carolina Panthers St. Louis Rams

Stephen Davis (born March 1, 1974, in Spartanburg, South Carolina), is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League.

[edit] College career

Davis played three years (1993, 1994, 1995) for Auburn University, starting in his sophomore year. He made the All-SEC team his last two seasons, and graduated as the team's fourth all-time leading rusher behind Joe Cribbs, James Brooks, and Bo Jackson. He was also a letterman for all three seasons.

[edit] NFL career

Davis was taken in the fourth round (103rd overall) in the 1996 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. Davis was primarily used as a fullback, and was part of the Redskins' backfield with Terry Allen. He spent three seasons as a backup and fullback before getting the starting nod at the start of the 1999 NFL season. This was Davis' breakout season, when he posted career highs, and ended up representing the NFC in the Pro Bowl. He led the NFC in yards rushing with 1,405, and led the league in yards per carry (4.8). He was also the league's leading non-kicking scorer, posting 108 points on 17 touchdowns and one two-point conversion. He continued to post high numbers the following season en route to his second straight Pro Bowl selection.

Davis signed with the Carolina Panthers for the start of the 2003 NFL season, and was a catalyst in leading the team to Super Bowl XXXVIII. Davis rushed for a career-high 1,444 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. He also finished in the top three for the NFL MVP voting that year. Davis led all rushers in the postseason with 315 yards. Unfortunately for Davis, he suffered an injury early the following season, and was one of fourteen Panthers on injured reserve as the Panthers struggled to a 7-9 record. He was also on the injured list early in the 2005 season, but came off the bench after a few games and set team rushing records^{[citation needed]} before being forced to sit out the remainder of the season with nagging knee injuries. Davis was released by the Panthers on March 1, 2006.

On August 24, 2006, Davis worked out with the St. Louis Rams and was offered a one-year contract, which he accepted.