Kyle Davis (American football)


Kyle Wayne Davis is a former professional American football center in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. He played college football at the University of Oklahoma.

Early years

Davis attended Altus High School before moving on to the University of Oklahoma. He became the starting center as a junior after All-American Tom Brahaney graduated.
In 1974, he was a key part of the school's championship team, receiving third-team All-American and second-team All-Big Eight honors. He was considered a powerful blocker in the team's record-setting wishbone offense. He also served as a long snapper.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Davis was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 1975 NFL Draft, also known as the Dirty Dozen draft. As a rookie, he was the backup center and was used mainly on special teams and as a long snapper.
In the divisional playoffs against the Minnesota Vikings, when John Fitzgerald hurt his right elbow and had trouble snapping the ball in the shotgun formation, Davis took over the center duties in the last minutes of the game with a 14-10 deficit. Roger Staubach proceeded to hit Drew Pearson on a sideline route to convert a 4th-and-16 play and then both connected again on the famous Hail Mary pass.
In 1976, he was lost for the season with a knee injury after being placed on the injured reserve list. He was waived on August 1, 1977.

Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings claimed Davis off waivers on August 9, 1977. He was released on September 13.

New England Patriots

On May 3, 1978, he signed with the New England Patriots, but was waived to make room for Bob McKay on August 15.

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions claimed him off waivers on August 17, 1978, and ended up releasing him before the season started.

San Francisco 49ers

On November 3, 1978, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers and got a chance to play in 7 regular season games.
He was waived on August 1, 1979.

New York Giants

On August 6, 1979, the New York Giants claimed him off waivers, but ended up releasing him on August 13.