This is a story about John Davis, a story John Davis wanted no part of, no matter that it is a positive piece.
The idea was to write about the contributions of the Bears’ seemingly unknown tight end–an oxymoron–who has made big catches in the first three games this season the way he made big catches when he had the chance last season.
Things are going well for the guy. It was time to give him some publicity, find out who he is. But no.
Davis declined to be interviewed for this story. In fact, the precise reason he declined to be interviewed for this story is because things are going well.
“He doesn’t like stories about him because he’s afraid it will jinx him,” Bears public relations director Scott Hagel said.
What do we know about John Davis, international man of mystery?
This is a particularly important question, what with starting tight end Fred Baxter dealing with a sprained ankle that prevented him from coming back in Sunday’s 29-23 loss to New Orleans and has him listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game at Buffalo.
And this is a particularly important question, what with Davis coming off a career-high-tying game of four catches.
Again what do we know about John Davis?
We know he is 6 feet 4 inches weighs 264 pounds and is 29. We know this because it is in the Bears’ media guide.
We also know he is in his second season with the Bears, was waived by Minnesota after one season and played three years with Tampa Bay. Again, more media guide.
But who is John Davis?
“He’s a mad rapper,” Baxter said.
Pardon?
“He’s always mad,” Baxter said with a laugh by way of explanation. “Always complaining. Like he doesn’t want to be here. Grumpy in the morning. That’s a mad rapper.”
Baxter would know. He is not only in the meeting room and on the field with Davis, but was his roommate last year.
“Right now, I consider him as a brother,” Baxter said. “It’s more than being teammates. It’s to another level. Like family.
“In New York [when he played for the Jets] I was close with a lot of guys on defense. This is the first time I’ve ever been close with a guy on offense. It’s cool.
“We clicked. It’s just something you can’t explain. We see each other every day and eventually we’d hang out together. Next thing we know, we’d sit down and talk to each other about personal stuff. It’s a person I can go to and talk to.”
They can talk about their families–Davis and wife Theresa had a daugter, Jayden, this year–and they can talk about teammates they’ve had in common.
There is not much talk, however, about Davis’ auto accident last year. According to a report, he swerved to miss a deer and hit a median wall a year ago July, resulting in cuts to his face.
“The first time we talked about it, it seemed like a touchy situation with him, so I haven’t said anything else about it,” Baxter said. “It’s like memories you don’t want to remember.”
Davis’ recovery limited his practice time, leaving the Vikings to waive him near the end of training camp. When the Bears picked him up, Davis was known to general manager Jerry Angelo from their days at Tampa Bay. But that was about it.
“I didn’t know anything about John,” Bears tight ends coach Pat Flaherty said. “It took him a while to adjust and learn our system.
“John’s blocking ability is something that has really stood out. He’s a really good athlete who can run and catch the football.”
Blocking, sure. That’s the lot of Bears tight ends. But Davis has drawn attention this year because of the catches he has made.
He had a clutch 10-yard reception down to the Minnesota 9-yard line that set up Jim Miller’s game-winning touchdown pass to David Terrell in the opener. The next week, Davis hauled in a big 37-yarder to extend a drive that led to the Bears’ first TD in the win in Atlanta.
“Last year he made catches,” Flaherty said. “We won two games because he made big catches, so that’s nothing new.”
Indeed, in that stirring overtime win against San Francisco last season, Davis grabbed a 4-yard pass on third-and-3 in the final minute, putting the Bears on the 49ers’ 4-yard line to set up the tying TD.
But even before that, Davis showed reliability when the Bears went his way.
“I remember last year when we played the Arizona Cardinals,” Miller said. “We called this play called `Y stick.’ He was my only option to go to. Two guys were on him, and he makes a great catch that keeps the drive going and we get a touchdown. Those are things that we hope will continue to happen.”
Flaherty called Davis “a good family man” and who has a dry sense of humor. Baxter called him a “good guy.” Miller described him as a “fierce competitor” who has been “politicking for the ball” in the huddle.
“Everybody talks about how we need to get it to the tight end more, but I think we’re starting to get it to the tight end more,” Miller said. Sounds like Davis will be heard from. His game will, anyway.
