"Terrell Lamar Davis, a former running back for the Denver Broncos (1995-2001), is renowned as one of the NFL's all-time great running backs. He holds the Broncos' all-time rushing record and the record for most single-season postseason touchdowns (1997). Davis is credited with initiating the "Mile High Salute" touchdown celebration. Despite a seven-year career cut short by injury, his exceptional performance earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017."
October 28, 1972: Terrell Davis is Born
On October 28, 1972, Terrell Lamar Davis was born. He would go on to become a celebrated running back in the NFL.
1990: Joining Long Beach State and Redshirting
Terrell Davis's college football career began in 1990 when he joined the Long Beach State team, coached by George Allen. He redshirted his freshman year.
1991: Transferring to the University of Georgia
In 1991, Terrell Davis transferred to the University of Georgia to continue his college football career after Long Beach State ended its program.
1993: Becoming Starting Running Back at Georgia
After Garrison Hearst graduated, Terrell Davis stepped into the role of the top running back for the University of Georgia during the 1993 season.
1995: From Sixth String to Starting Running Back
Despite entering training camp as the sixth string tailback, Terrell Davis impressed the Broncos coaches during the 1995 preseason and earned the starting running back position.
1995: Drafted by the Denver Broncos
In 1995, Terrell Davis's NFL journey began when he was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round.
1995: NFL Debut with the Denver Broncos
Terrell Davis began his NFL career in 1995 when he was drafted by the Denver Broncos.
1996: Dominating Postseason Performances
From 1996 to 1998, Terrell Davis consistently delivered exceptional performances in postseason games, showcasing his dominance as a running back.
1996: Pro Bowl Selections and the "Mile High Salute"
Terrell Davis received Pro Bowl recognition in 1996, a testament to his exceptional skills. He also popularized the "Mile High Salute," a touchdown celebration that became a Denver Broncos tradition.
1996: New Contract and a Record-Setting Season
Terrell Davis signed a new five-year contract with the Broncos in 1996. He then set a Denver Broncos record that season with 13 rushing touchdowns.
1997: Super Bowl XXXII and MVP Honors
In 1997, Terrell Davis and the Denver Broncos triumphed in Super Bowl XXXII. Davis's outstanding performance, including 157 rushing yards and three touchdowns, earned him the Super Bowl MVP award.
1997: A Year of Records and Recognition
Terrell Davis had a standout year in 1997, achieving the record for most postseason single-season touchdowns (eight) and starting the "Mile High Salute" celebration.
1997: Setting NFL Records
Terrell Davis's exceptional performance in 1997 earned him the NFL record for the most rushing touchdowns in a single postseason, with eight touchdowns.
1998: League MVP and Super Bowl XXXIII Victory
Terrell Davis had another remarkable year in 1998, rushing for 2,008 yards and securing the league MVP title. He also contributed to the Broncos' win in Super Bowl XXXIII.
1998: Consecutive 100-Yard Rushing Games Record
Terrell Davis set a new record during the 1996-1998 postseasons with seven consecutive games of over 100 rushing yards, surpassing John Riggins's previous record.
1998: Joining the 2,000 Rushing Yards Club
In 1998, Terrell Davis achieved a significant milestone by rushing for over 2,000 yards in a season, making him the fourth NFL player to do so.
1998: Injuries Begin to Impact Davis's Career
After the 1998 season, injuries began to affect Terrell Davis's playing time, marking a turning point in his career.
1999: Season-Ending Knee Injury
In a game against the New York Jets in 1999, Terrell Davis suffered a severe knee injury, tearing his ACL and MCL. This injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
2000: The 2,000 Yard Rushing Club
In 2000, Terrell Davis's 1998 accomplishment of rushing for 2,008 yards placed him in the exclusive 2,000 rushing yards club.
2000: Sidelined by a Stress Reaction Injury
Injuries continued to plague Terrell Davis in 2000. He missed most of the season due to a stress reaction injury in his lower leg.
2001: End of Time with the Broncos
In 2001, Terrell Davis played his last season with the Denver Broncos, marking the end of an era.
2001: Limited Playing Time Due to Knee Surgeries
In 2001, Terrell Davis underwent arthroscopic surgery on both knees, further limiting his playing time and impacting his performance on the field.
2002: Retirement from the NFL
Terrell Davis officially retired from the NFL in 2002, marking the end of his impressive but injury-shortened career.
2004: Induction into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame
Terrell Davis's contributions to sports were honored in 2004 when he was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame.
October 2005: Hotel Altercation
Terrell Davis was allegedly involved in a physical altercation with two bouncers at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel's Tropicana Bar in October 2005, resulting in injuries.
September 2006: Lawsuit Against Insurance Company
In September 2006, Davis filed a lawsuit against Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Co. for breach of contract. The lawsuit stemmed from the company's refusal to defend him in a separate lawsuit related to an alleged assault at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in October 2005.
January 2007: Settlement Reached
The lawsuit filed by Terrell Davis against Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Co. was dismissed in January 2007 after the two parties reached a settlement.
July 27, 2007: Denver Broncos Ring of Fame Announcement
On July 27, 2007, Terrell Davis was selected to be inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.
September 23, 2007: Denver Broncos Ring of Fame Induction
Terrell Davis was inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame on September 23, 2007, at Invesco Field at Mile High during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
2007: Pro Football Hall of Fame Semifinalist
In 2007, Terrell Davis was recognized as a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, marking his first year of eligibility.
February 7, 2016: Super Bowl 50 Honorary Captain
On February 7, 2016, Davis, along with John Elway, served as an honorary captain for the Denver Broncos at Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, California.
August 4, 2017: Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction
Terrell Davis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 4, 2017, after his eleventh year of eligibility.
2017: Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction
In 2017, Terrell Davis's impact on football was solidified when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.