Willie Davis
Inducted:
1981
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
243 lb (110 kg)
Born:
July 24, 1934
Lisbon, Louisiana, U.S.
Died:
April 15, 2020
Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Position:
Defensive End
College:
Grambling (1954–1957)
Willie Davis was a cornerstone of the Green Bay Packers’ dynasty under Vince Lombardi. Originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 1956, Davis found his true impact after being traded to the Packers in 1960. A dominant defensive end, Davis became the heart of a defense that helped lead Green Bay to five NFL Championships, including victories in the first two Super Bowls.
Renowned for his intelligence, leadership, and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks, Davis was estimated to have recorded over 100 career sacks, though sacks were not an official stat during his playing days. He was also the first African American team captain in Packers history.
Durable and dependable, Davis never missed a game in ten seasons with Green Bay, earning widespread respect on and off the field. His consistency and championship pedigree cemented his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history.
Davis' Awards and Honors
- 2× Super Bowl champion (I, II)
- 5× NFL champion (1961, 1962, 1965–1967)
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1962, 1964–1967)
- Second-team All-Pro (1963)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1963–1967)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- NFF Distinguished American Award (1982)
- Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
NFL Records
- Member of the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- One of the few players to win both Super Bowl I and II
- Five NFL Championships (tied for most by a defensive player)
- First African American team captain in Green Bay Packers history
NFL Teams
Cleveland Browns (1958–1959)
Green Bay Packers (1960–1969)
NHL Draft:
1956: 15th round, 181st pick
Cleveland Browns
Number Worn:
77, 87
NFL Stats
NFL Seasons:
12 (1958–1969)
Games Played:
162
Estimated Career Sacks:
100+ (unofficial)
Fumble Recoveries:
22
Interceptions:
1