Veteran linebacker Demario Davis is set to begin his third stint and sixth season with the New York Jets, describing his current mindset as having the "enjoyment of a rookie" despite his extensive NFL career. Davis, 37, will mark his 15th season opener when the Jets face the Titans on Sunday in Nashville.
Davis, who earned consecutive Pro Bowl selections in 2022 and 2023 with the New Orleans Saints, is focused on continuing his performance and contributing to the Jets' defense. "My excitement to come into work each and every day, to be able to live out my dream, I never take a moment, a day that I walk into this moment for granted, a day that I step out onto that field for granted," Davis said Thursday. "But I am the accumulation of 15 years of football, being around a lot of great vets, playing in a lot of games, been in a lot of situations, so just being able to use all that wisdom and accumulation and still find ways to get better and put that on display when it matters most is what I’m excited to do."
Before a hamstring injury in 2024, Davis had a remarkable record of durability, missing only one game since his initial time with the Jets in 2012. Even at 36 years old during his eighth season with the Saints in 2025, he led the team with a career-high 143 tackles. Defensive coordinator Brian Duker noted Davis has lived up to his reputation, stating, "He lived up to his reputation, and I thought he was going to be great — and he’s been great."
As one of the newer members of a revamped Jets defense, Davis acknowledged the chemistry building within the unit. He anticipates a challenge from the Titans on Sunday, specifically mentioning second-year quarterback Cam Ward's composure and ability to extend plays. The focus remains on Davis's role in containing the Titans' offense and the overall defensive performance for the Jets. For Gang Green, Davis's return represents a significant addition, bringing a player off one of the best statistical seasons of his career with the potential for continued high-level play.
"I’ve been extremely blessed to play this game as long as I have and have the type of career that I’ve had and be able to have the durability that I’ve been able to have," Davis said.