By Michaela Gordoni
Demario Davis shared an emotional goodbye with his New Orleans community as he hands in his Saints jersey.
“It’s hard to find the right words for what this city has meant to me,” Davis began in an Instagram post on Wednesday. “Eight years ago, I arrived in New Orleans with a dream and a deep belief that if I worked hard and trusted God’s plan, everything would unfold the way it was meant to. What I didn’t know then was just how deeply this organization and this community would shape me.”
He shared a video clip from the time he spent in New Orleans, encouraging his team and getting involved with the community.
“Over the years, we’ve grown together. We’ve faced adversity and celebrated incredible moments along the way. Through every season, my goal was simple: represent this city the right way, lead with integrity, and give everything I had every time I stepped on that field,” he continued.
Davis thanked his teammates, coach and the fans for their support.
Related: How New Orleans Linebacker Demario Davis Relies on the ‘Peace’ That Comes from God
“Walking away from a place that feels like home is never easy. But after a lot of prayer, reflection, and conversations with my family, I believe this next step is where I’m being called,” he explained.
“It was the honor of a lifetime to represent this city and this community. You embraced my family as your own, and for that, we are forever grateful.
Davis received lots of comments of goodbyes and well wishes.
“Grateful beyond words to you and your family DD 🙏” the Saints official Instagram commented.
His teammate Quincy Riley said, “Forever leader ❤️.”
Davis is returning to his former team, the Jets, in a $22 million deal with $15 million guaranteed.
“It really feels like coming back home,” Davis said on Thursday.
The linebacker was wanted not just for his skills on the field but off as well. He has a reputation as a great team leader.
The New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson said, “When Demario Davis first joined the New Orleans Saints in 2018, not only did he help our defense reach new heights, but his dedication to greatness and leadership resulted in him being voted by teammates as a captain immediately, becoming a fabric of our organization.”
Davis’ new coach is Aaron Glenn, who was hired by the Jets last year.
“I believe in so much of what’s being built here under the leadership of Aaron Glenn, aka A.G., and for myself as a leader, this was the mission that I was excited to step into,” Davis said. “I never realized that leaving here I felt like the mission personally was a little incomplete.”
“Getting a chance to step back into it and what’s being built, I’m super excited about that. I think there’s a ton of great things on the horizon for this organization. You can already see glimpses of what’s being built,” he said.
Wherever Davis plays, he’s sure to offer motivation, encouragement and Christ’s light.
Read Next: God Glorified at Super Bowl Breakfast through Demario Davis and Benjamin Watson
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