History of Terrell Davis in Timeline

Terrell Davis is a retired American football running back who played for the Denver Broncos from 1995 to 2001. He is the Broncos' all-time leading rusher and holds the record for most touchdowns in a single postseason. Known for his exceptional performance and the 'Mile High Salute,' Davis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017. Despite a relatively short career, Davis is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

October 28, 1972: Terrell Davis Born

On October 28, 1972, Terrell Lamar Davis was born. He later became a professional football player.

Others born on this day/year

1990: Joined Long Beach State Football Team

In 1990, Terrell Davis joined the Long Beach State football team under coach George Allen and redshirted his freshman year.

1991: Long Beach State Eliminated Football Program

At the end of the 1991 season, Long Beach State eliminated its football program due to budget concerns, leading to Terrell Davis transferring to the University of Georgia.

1993: Became Top Running Back

In 1993, after Garrison Hearst graduated, Terrell Davis became the top running back at the University of Georgia, rushing for 824 yards.

1995: Joined the Denver Broncos

In 1995, Terrell Davis began his career with the Denver Broncos of the NFL.

1995: Impressive Rookie Season

In 1995, Terrell Davis was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round and became the starting running back, finishing the season with 1,117 rushing yards.

1995: Drafted by the Broncos

In 1995, Terrell Davis was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the NFL draft.

1996: Start of Postseason Success

In 1996, Terrell Davis began a series of successful postseason games, accumulating significant rushing yards and touchdowns through 1998.

1996: Signed New Contract

In 1996, Terrell Davis signed a five-year contract with the Broncos for $6.8 million. He rushed for 1,538 yards and 13 touchdowns.

1996: First Pro Bowl Season

In 1996, Terrell Davis was selected for the Pro Bowl, marking the first of three consecutive seasons.

1997: Touchdown Record and Mile High Salute

In 1997, Terrell Davis achieved the record for most touchdowns in a single postseason with eight and he is also credited with starting the "Mile High Salute".

1997: Pro Bowl Season

In 1997, Terrell Davis had another Pro Bowl Season

1997: Super Bowl XXXII MVP

In 1997, Terrell Davis was named Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl XXXII against the Green Bay Packers, with 157 rushing yards and a Super Bowl record three rushing touchdowns.

December 1998: Sesame Street Appearance

In December 1998, Terrell Davis appeared on Sesame Street with Elmo and Telly Monster.

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1998: End of Postseason Success

In 1998 Super Bowl XXXIII was the last postseason game in which Davis would play.

1998: 2,000 Rushing Yards

In 1998, Terrell Davis became the fourth NFL player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season.

1998: Pro Bowl Season

In 1998, Terrell Davis had another Pro Bowl Season

1998: League MVP

In 1998, Terrell Davis rushed for 2,008 yards, earning him league MVP honors and his first NFL rushing title.

1999: Knee Injury

In 1999, Terrell Davis tore his ACL and MCL in his right knee during a game against the New York Jets, sidelining him for the rest of the season.

October 21, 2000: Guest Appearance on The Jersey

On October 21, 2000, Terrell Davis guest-starred on Disney Channel's The Jersey, in an episode called "They Say It's Your Birthday".

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2000: Sidelined by Injury

During the 2000 season, Terrell Davis was sidelined for most games due to a stress reaction injury in his lower leg.

2000: Part of 2,000 Rushing Yards Club

In 1998, Davis rushed for 2,008 yards becoming a member of the 2000 rushing yards club, the fourth-highest rushing total in history at the time.

2001: Final Season in the NFL

2001 marked Terrell Davis' final season in the NFL, playing for the Denver Broncos.

2001: Arthroscopic Surgery

In 2001, Terrell Davis only played in eight games due to arthroscopic surgery on both knees.

2001: Named in Atlanta's Gold Club Trial

In 2001, Terrell Davis was named in the Atlanta's Gold Club federal prostitution, fraud and racketeering trial, resulting in Campbell Soups dropping him from their advertising.

2002: Retirement from NFL

In 2002, Terrell Davis retired from the NFL during the preseason. He was placed on injured reserve, effectively ending his career.

2004: Inducted into Colorado Sports Hall of Fame

In 2004, Terrell Davis was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame.

October 2005: Assault Allegations

In October 2005, Terrell Davis claimed he was assaulted by two bouncers at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel's Tropicana Bar.

September 2006: Filed Lawsuit Against Liberty Mutual

In September 2006, Terrell Davis filed a lawsuit against Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Co. for breach of contract.

2006: Madden NFL 2006 Appearance

In 2006, Terrell Davis appeared in Madden NFL 2006, serving as a mentor in the NFL Superstar Mode.

2006: Inducted into Breitbard Hall of Fame

In 2006, Terrell Davis was inducted into the Breitbard Hall of Fame.

January 2007: Lawsuit Settlement

In January 2007, Terrell Davis and Liberty Mutual reached a settlement, leading to the dismissal of the lawsuit.

July 27, 2007: Induction into Denver Broncos Ring of Fame Announced

On July 27, 2007, the announcement was made that Terrell Davis would be inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.

September 23, 2007: Denver Broncos Ring of Fame Induction Ceremony

On September 23, 2007, Terrell Davis' induction ceremony into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame took place at Invesco Field at Mile High.

2007: Pro Football Hall of Fame Semifinalist

In 2007, Terrell Davis was a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

August 29, 2008: Appearance on The Colbert Report

On August 29, 2008, Terrell Davis appeared on The Colbert Report to analyze Barack Obama's acceptance speech.

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February 7, 2016: Honorary Captain at Super Bowl 50

On February 7, 2016, Terrell Davis and John Elway served as honorary captains for the Broncos at Super Bowl 50.

August 4, 2017: Induction into Pro Football Hall of Fame

On August 4, 2017, Terrell Davis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2017: Davis Explains Mile High Salute

In 2017, Terrell Davis explained the meaning of the "Mile High Salute" gesture, which he popularized, as a sign of respect for service members.

2017: Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction

In 2017, Terrell Davis was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2018: Broncos Franchise Records

As of the 2018 NFL off-season, Terrell Davis held at least 46 Broncos franchise records.

2023: Guest Appearance on Bar Rescue

In 2023, Terrell Davis made a guest appearance on Paramount Network's Bar Rescue with Jon Taffer.

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July 2024: Accusation of Hitting United Airlines Flight Attendant

In July 2024, Terrell Davis was accused of hitting a United Airlines flight attendant on a flight from Denver to John Wayne Airport. The FBI briefly detained him but released him after determining the accusation was inaccurate. United Airlines apologized, removed the flight attendant from duty, and later terminated their employment. Davis' legal team planned to file a lawsuit against United, but by July 30, United said Davis had been removed from its no-fly list.