Willie Davis: Hall of Famer and Captain of the Lombardi Packers

by Owen Ayite Atayi, age 16

Willie Davis was a five-time NFL champion for the Green Bay Packers. He won three straight NFL championships with the Packers and also won the first two Super Bowls.

Willie Davis was born July 24, 1934 in Lisbon, Louisiana to Nadie Bell and David Davis. He attended the University of Grambling, located in Louisiana, and one of the top historical Black universities.

Coming out of college, Davis played two positions, guard on defense and linebacker on offense. In 1956, he was selected as the 181st pick in the NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. But he didn’t start his career right away due to military service. He officially began his career in 1958.

During his college career Davis caught the attention of Vince Lombardi, general manager and head coach of the Green Bay Packers. The Packers needed a fast, strong player on their defensive line and Davis fit the description. Lombardi got the Browns to trade Davis to the Packers.

After the trade, the Packers became one of the greatest football teams, with the most successful defense of all time. To this day, Davis remains the Packers leader in fumbles recovered.

When asked about Davis, a former teammate and fellow hall of famer, Dave Robinson, stated, “As a pass rusher, he was so quick off the ball. He was a good run player, too. He was so strong he could hit the tackle and control them. Throw them or drive them. His upper body was tremendously strong.”

Jerry Burns, a former Packers assistant coach and Minnesota Vikings head coach, considered Davis the greatest football player he’d ever seen.

Although Davis announced his retirement in 1969, he became an NBC TV analyst for NFL games from 1970 to 1975.

In 2005, Davis became one of the Packers’ board of directors. He was successful in business and was active in the community.

Unfortunately, Davis passed away on April 15, 2020 due to kidney failure. Willie Davis is remembered today for his leadership and excellence on and off the field. He is forever associated with the Lombardi dynasty and the Green Bay Packers.

[Sources: Pro Football Hall of Fame; Northwood University; Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame]