Canal Street Chronicles
New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis has been selected as the team’s winner for the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is the league’s most prestigious honor, which recognizing players who excel on-the-field and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the game. This marks the 3rd time that Davis had received the honor in his career.
Davis said of the honor, “I am truly humbled to be the 2025 team winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award,” said Davis. “Growing up in Mississippi, Walter Payton the football player was always someone I looked up to. As I got older, learning about the things he did in the community only increased my respect of him even more. Through my Devoted Dreamers Foundation, we are more committed than ever to develop youth to become dynamic young men and women who will lead this community into the future.”
After signing with the Saints an undrafted free agent in 2018, Davis immediately started making an impact on and off the field. The eight-time defensive team captain has led the Saints in tackles every season since with 922 stops (552 solo), 31.0 sacks, three interceptions, 47 pass breakups, five forced fumbles and four recoveries. Throughout his 14-year NFL career, Davis has posted 1,582 career tackles (981 solo) 44.5 sacks, four picks, 64 pass breakups, six forced fumbles and nine fumble recoveries. He has also received Associated Press All-Pro honors five times and has been selected to the Pro-Bowl twice.
Davis makes just as much of an impact off the field throughout the community. Alongside his wife, Tamela, Davis established the Devoted Dreamers Foundation in 2013 with a mission that revolves around empowering youth, instilling hope, and nurturing future leaders who will shape a brighter world. Guided by faith and passion, they strive to inspire young lives, demonstrating that with determination and support, any dream can be realized.
Through his foundation, Davis established the Devoted Dreamers Academy, whose programs range from after-school experiences to an immersive summer camp designed to help students by building character, leadership, and life skills that extend far beyond the classroom or football field.
Davis has also hosted several events in the community including the launch of a 6-week leadership development program in partnership with The 18th Ward, a local nonprofit that builds community through high-quality, affordable sports programming and workforce development for youth and families from New Orleans, as well as Dinner with the Davises, which seeks to promote and encourage family mealtimes and most recently, Tailgating for a Cause, a food drive to benefit Clover New Orleans.
Saints owner Mrs. Gayle Benson said of Davis, “Ever since he joined the Saints in 2018, Demario’s commitment to both our football team and to our community has earned the respect of everyone inside and outside of the organization. As an eight-time team captain and our leading tackler in his eight...
