Former Clemson Defensive Tackle David Davis passes away
Former Clemson Tiger defensive tackle David Davis passed away recently. The beloved football player, who made a significant impact on and off the field, left a legacy and a smile that will be cherished forever.
Davis' passing was acknowledged by his former teammate and fellow Clemson alum, Levon Kirkland. Another former teammate from his time with the New York Giants, Corey Miller, also shared his condolences on Twitter.
Davis played high school football at Lower Richland and Miller’s roommate at the Shrine Bowl during their senior year.
Playing for Clemson from 1988 to 1991, Davis quickly became a key figure on the defense. His powerful presence on the defensive line earned him the respect of teammates and rivals alike. Davis's passion for the game and his team-first mentality made him a true leader both on and off the field. He epitomized the spirit of Clemson football and was a joy to spend time with.
After his successful stint with Clemson, Davis took his talents to the professional level and joined the New York Giants. Though his NFL career was short, his heart never strayed far from his alma mater, where he had forged lifelong friendships and memories.
In 2016, he graduated from Clemson, a testament to his determination and commitment to personal growth. Davis’ educational journey was made possible through the Tiger Trust program, an initiative funded through the IPTAY and the athletic department. The Tiger Trust program supports former players, ensuring they can finish their degrees even after their playing days are over.
Davis was known for his warm smile and kind heart. Friends, teammates, and fans remember him as a humble and approachable person, always willing to engage in conversations and share his experiences. He never let his success get in the way of being genuinely compassionate and caring toward others.
The Clemson University community will forever cherish the memories of David Davis, the talented defensive tackle, the resilient graduate, and the kind-hearted soul. His impact on the football field, in the community, and in the hearts of those who knew him will never be forgotten.
Author’s Note: I had the opportunity to be a part of WACH Fox 57’s coverage of Clemson’s 2016 National Championship alongside David. We had a blast that evening, but I’ll never forget his smile and, even more so, his laugh after I waved the No. 1 sign on the air in Columbia. My thoughts and prayers go out to Davis’ family, friends, and former teammates. He was a great guy to spend time with.
Clemson’s Press Release on Davis
CLEMSON, S.C. — Former Clemson defensive lineman David Davis passed away on Saturday, July 29. He was 53 years old.
Davis was a four-year letterman at Clemson across the 1988-91 seasons. He played on Clemson squads that accrued a 39-8-1 four-year record and earned two ACC titles. He appeared in 44 career games with one start, a 30-0 win against Illinois in the Hall of Fame Bowl to conclude the 1990 season.
A native of Eastover, S.C., Davis arrived at Clemson in 1987 from Lower Richland High School. He redshirted the 1987 football season while also competing as a heavyweight wrestler. In 1988, he recorded a sack against Virginia Tech in his first career game. As a senior, his 22 tackles, six tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks in 11 games in 1991 helped guide Clemson to an ACC championship and a first-place conference ranking in both total defense (263.2 yards per game) and rushing defense (53.4).
After a brief stint with the New York Giants, Davis worked in law enforcement and high school coaching in the Columbia area. He later returned to Clemson and earned his degree in parks, recreation and tourism management in 2016 at 47 years of age as part of Clemson’s Tiger Trust program.
Funeral arrangements for Davis are available on his memorial page via the Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home.