Davis entered the NFL when the Denver Broncos selected him in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL Draft. Despite being a late-round pick, he quickly proved his worth during his rookie season. Davis earned the starting running back position and rushed for over 1,000 yards, setting the stage for what would be an extraordinary career.
The 1996 season saw Davis solidify his status as one of the league's top running backs. He rushed for 1,538 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. His performance helped the Broncos secure a playoff berth, although they were eliminated in the divisional round.
In 1997, Davis's prowess on the field reached new heights. He rushed for 1,750 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the Broncos to a 12-4 record. His efforts were instrumental in the team's playoff success, culminating in a victory over the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII. Davis's performance in the Super Bowl was nothing short of spectacular; he rushed for 157 yards and three touchdowns, earning the Super Bowl MVP award despite playing with a migraine headache.
The following year, Davis continued to dominate the league. He rushed for 2,008 yards in the 1998 season, becoming only the fourth player in NFL history at the time to surpass the 2,000-yard mark in a single season. His remarkable achievements earned him the NFL MVP award, and he played a crucial role in leading the Broncos to another Super Bowl victory, this time against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII.
Unfortunately, Davis's career was plagued by injuries in the subsequent years. In 1999, he suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, which significantly limited his playing time. Despite his efforts to return to form, injuries continued to hamper his performance, and he played only sporadically over the next two seasons.
In 2001, Davis decided to retire from professional football due to the persistent injuries that had taken a toll on his body. Over his career, he amassed 7,607 rushing yards and 60 rushing touchdowns, leaving an indelible legacy in the NFL. His contributions to the Denver Broncos were recognized when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
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