Fred Davis last played in the NFL in 2013, now the former Washington Redskins tight end is looking for a second chance in the rebooting spring football league, the XFL, the brainchild of WWE chairman Vince McMahon.
Davis participated in the league’s summer showcase in Los Angeles, arriving just in time for the start of drills after flying from DC to LA.
“Wish I got here earlier,” a joking Davis said per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times. “But it feels good to be out here, running around, catching balls.”
Davis was a 2008 second-round pick of the Redskins. He was named the starting tight end in 2011 as Chris Cooley struggled with injuries. That season, Davis was named the Redskins’ Offensive Player of the Year with 59 receptions for 796 yards and three touchdowns.
However, he struggled off the field. His breakout season in 2011 was caught short after he was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
In 2012 he was reinstated, but suffered a torn Achilles seven games into the season. In 2014, he was then suspended indefinitely for once again violating the league’s substance abuse policy ahead of the season.
Davis had a civil lawsuit file against him in 2011 by a woman, who claimed Davis dumped his drink on her in a DC nightclub. A judge later ruled for Davis to pay the accuser nearly $20,000 for the incident.
In 2014, Davis was had an arrest warrant issued by DC Police for him allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend. Charges were later dropped.
Now six years removed from competitive football, Davis is searching for a second chance through the XFL despite the large skepticism surrounding McMahon’s league.
“It is easy to be skeptical, because it’s just now getting started,” Davis said. “You’re fighting the big giant — the NFL.”
With a tall task ahead of him, Fred Davis is focused on resuming his playing career. Once revered by Redskins’ fans, the former USC product had his time in the NFL cut short in large due to his transgression. Now, he just seeks a chance to play football again.
“For me, that’s what it’s really about — having the chance to still be able to play the game you love to play, that you’ve played for a long time,” Davis said. “Even though you take a break off, it doesn’t mean you can’t play it now.”
