Donnie Davis

Donnie Ray Davis (September 18, 1940 – January 19, 2004) was an American professional football wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Oilers. He also was a member of the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Southern University.

Davis attended Wheatley High School, where he practiced track and field, playing organized football only as a senior.

He accepted a track and field scholarship from Southern University to run hurdles. He also played four years on the football team as a wingback.

Davis was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round (74th overall) of the 1962 NFL draft. He appeared in 11 games as a backup wide receiver. He was waived in 1963.

In 1964, he played with the Grand Rapids Blazers of the United Football League.

In 1965, he was signed by the Green Bay Packers. He was tried at defensive back and was released on August 29.

On September 8, 1965, he signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. In 1967, he was the team's leading receiver with 31 catches for 656 yards and a 21.2-yard per catch average. On August 25, 1969, he was cut with a broken wrist.

In 1970, he was signed as a free agent by the Houston Oilers. He appeared in 14 games as a backup tight end. He was released on September 9, 1971.

In 1974, he signed with the Houston Texans of the World Football League. The team relocated to Shreveport on September 18, and were rechristened the Shreveport Steamer. He finished the season with 18 receptions for 280 yards. Davis returned the next year, posting 9 receptions for 144 yards and one touchdown. He finished his career when the league folded on October 22, 1975.

On January 19, 2004, he died after a lengthy battle with cancer.