Thomas Davis attended Randolph-Clay High School in Shellman, Ga. He went on to attend the University of Georgia where he majored in consumer economics. Davis ended his career at Georgia with 272 tackles, 10.5 sacks, three interceptions, and 17 tackles for loss. While at Georgia, Davis earned starts in 25 of the 39 games played and contributed as a free safety and linebacker. He was a unanimous first-team All-SEC selection as a junior and named first-team All-America by The Sporting News and the American Football Coaches Association. Davis was also a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award, given to the nation's top defensive player. Davis was selected by Carolina in the first round (14th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft (4/23/05). Since 2012, he has tallied 10 interceptions, tied for second-most among NFL linebackers during that time behind only teammate Luke Kuechly and ranks first in franchise history in tackles. He is Carolina's all-time leader in playoff experience, playing in 11 career postseason contests. In 2015 Davis recorded career highs with 5.5 sacks and four interceptions, the only player in the NFL in 2015 to record five or more sacks and four or more interceptions. Davis was named 2014 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. A 3x Pro Bowl (2017, 2016, 2015), AP All-Pro First Team (2015), finalist for Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year Award (2015) and Ed Block Courage Award Winner (2011), Thomas Davis has been an integral part of the Carolina defense for many years."