Billy Davis (wide receiver)

Billy Davis (born July 6, 1972 in El Paso, Texas) is a former professional American football player who played wide receiver for six seasons for the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens. He played college football for the University of Pittsburgh.

Early years

Davis attended Irvin High School where he played as a quarterback. He accepted a scholarship from the University of Pittsburgh, where he was converted to a wide receiver.

As a senior he registered 51 receptions, including tying a school record with four touchdown receptions in a game, to help upset Rutgers University. He finished fifth on the school all-time receiving list with 1,800 yards.^[1]

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

After not being selected in the 1995 NFL Draft, he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys. He made the roster based on his standout special teams play and was a part of the Super Bowl XXX winning team.

Davis always finished among the team leaders in special teams tackles during his time with the Cowboys (recorded a total of 64). In 1996, he missed three games with a broken foot, but still tied for third on the team in special teams tackles

As a wide receiver, he was mostly a reserve player that was known to have excellent training camps where he showed his explosiveness and size advantages, but it didn't transfer to the regular season.^[2] In 1998 with the arrival of new head coach Chan Gailey, he was named the starter opposite to future hall of famer Michael Irvin and proceeded to have a breakthrough season with 39 receptions for 691 yards (17.7 yards average) and 3 touchdowns.^[3] He also had 11 special teams tackles.

On May 31, 1999, he was waived for salary-cap reasons after the signing of free agent Raghib Ismail.^[4]

Baltimore Ravens

In 1999, he struggled while playing on offense, but it didn't affect his special teams play, finishing with a career-best 21 tackles. The next year he finished fourth on the team with 15 special teams tackles and was a part of the Super Bowl XXXV winning side.^[5] He was released for salary cap reasons on March 19, 2001.^[6]

Chicago Bears

On August 30, 2001, he signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bears, who were looking to replace an injured Frankie Smith.^[7] He was cut on September first.^[8]

Oakland Raiders

Davis signed as a free agent with the Oakland Raiders on May 30, 2002. He was waived on August 26.^[9]

References