Panthers moving on from veteran linebacker Thomas Davis
By Conor Myles
The Carolina Panthers and longtime linebacker, Thomas Davis, seem to be heading for a split.
The Carolina Panthers are moving on from a huge vocal part of the organization apparently. The team’s longtime starting linebacker, Thomas Davis, announced on his twitter account that he and the Panthers are heading for a divorce.
Davis talked about how the Panthers want to head in a different direction with the linebacker position and that seems to be the reason for his departure.
The linebacker spent 14 seasons with the only franchise he’s suited up for since the Panthers made him their first round selection back in 2005. Davis leaves the Panthers after making three Pro Bowls, First-team All-Pro (2015) and Second-team All-Pro (2013). Davis is also the Walter Payton Man of the Year award winner in 2014.
“I wanted to be back,” Thomas explains in the video. “I wanted to be a part of a group that can just right the wrongs we had this season. As one of the leaders of this team, I took full responsibility for some of the things that we allowed to happen. The games that we lost consecutively. I wanted to come back and help fix that.”
Davis leaves the Panthers as the franchise’s all-time leader in tackles (1,098).
Davis is most famous for overcoming three years of various injuries to still enjoy the success he has to date in the NFL. Even though he’s entering his 15th season in the league, Davis spoke about his intentions to continue his career and joining a new organization.
The Panthers finished the 2018 season with a disappointing 7-9 record. Changes have to come if they look to return to a Super Bowl caliber team. Carolina looks to overhaul the defense with some youth, according to NFL network insider Ian Rapoport, and moving on from Davis looks to be the start of that.
“I just want to thank the Carolina Panthers organization,” Davis says. “I want to thank my teammates. You guys have been amazing for 14 very special years. I’ll always remember and cherish those. To Panther nation, I can not thank you guys enough. This is extremely tough for me. Carolina will forever be home for me and my family.”
The veteran linebacker leaves behind huge shoes to fill in terms of a leadership role. Davis’ fingerprints are embedded into Carolina’s locker room and it won’t be easy to replace the impact he leaves behind.
The Panthers have yet to comment on the move. What is known is Carolina is losing a huge fan favorite in Davis as he looks to continue his NFL journey.