CHARLOTTE – For years, the Pro Bowl announcement meant disappointment for linebacker Thomas Davis. Not anymore.
After making his first Pro Bowl last season, the 12-year veteran was selected for a second consecutive year.
"It was a huge honor to know that not only our fans voted – they had a huge impact – but you also have two other parties that have to vote for you, that being the players and the coaches," Davis said. "It's definitely exciting to know that at this point in my career that they still see enough in me to be selected into the Pro Bowl."
Davis, who was so often overlooked, became more of a household name after turning 30 – something you rarely see.
He's posted at least 100 tackles in four consecutive seasons and he's on pace for a fifth. In that five-year span, he's also recorded 14.5 sacks and 10 interceptions.
In addition to becoming one of the most well-rounded outside linebackers in the NFL, Davis was named Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2014 – a prestigious award that brought more national attention to his work on and off the field.
Playing alongside Luke Kuechly has also raised Davis' profile. The pair is known across the league as arguably the best linebacker duo.
But it remains to be seen if Kuechly, who was named to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl, will take the field with Davis when the NFC and AFC square off in Orlando.
"Just like the games this week and next week, I want to play, but we'll see what happens," Kuechly said of suiting up for the Pro Bowl. "It's an exciting situation with all the guys that got picked. I'm super happy for Thomas because he's played great for so many years, and now he's getting some recognition."
