Sonny Davis Explained

Sonny Davis
Position:Running back
Number:43
Birth Date:16 January 1948
Birth Place:Alcoa, Tennessee, U.S.
Height Ft:5
Height In:11
Weight Lbs:215
High School:Alcoa
College:Tennessee State
Draftyear:1971
Draftround:11
Draftpick:264
Pastteams:
Statlabel1:Rushing attempts
Statvalue1:47
Statlabel2:Rushing yards
Statvalue2:163
Statlabel3:Rushing TDs
Statvalue3:1
Statlabel4:Receptions
Statlabel5:Receiving yards
Statlabel6:Return yards
Pfr:D/DaviSo00

Albert Lee "Sonny" Davis (born January 16, 1948) is a former American football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Tennessee State.

Early life and high school

Davis was born and grew up in Alcoa, Tennessee and attended Alcoa High School. Davis was the first athlete to compete in integrated sports in Blount County, Tennessee and was named All-County, All-State and All-American as a junior and senior.[1]

College career

Davis was one of the first African American players to be recruited by the University of Tennessee along with Lester McClain, but ultimately enrolled at Tennessee State after Tennessee questioned his test scores.[2] Davis played four seasons for the Tigers and led the team with six touchdowns scored as a sophomore.[3]

Professional career

Davis was selected in the 11th round of the 1971 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.[4] As a rookie, he rushed for 163 yards and one touchdown on 47 carries and caught 11 passes for 46 yards.[5]

Davis played for The Hawaiians of the World Football League from 1974 to 1975.[6]

Post-football

After retiring from football, Davis became a teacher in the Camden School District and eventually became a high school principal.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Al "Sonny" Davis, Retired NFL Grand Marshall for Alcoa 100 Years Celebration. East Tennessee Enlightener. October 10, 2019.
  2. Web site: Why star receiver AJ Davis picked Maryville, even though grandfather and father are Alcoa legends. Knoxville News Sentinel. September 12, 2019.
  3. Web site: 2018 Tennessee State Tigers Football Media Guide.
  4. Web site: Albert, David Davis honorary chairmen for Houston golf tournament. The Daily Times. July 20, 2014.
  5. Web site: Sonny Davis . www.pro-football-reference.com.
  6. Book: Cisco, Dan. Hawai'i Sports: History, Facts, and Statistics. 1999. University of Hawaii Press. 9780824821210.