Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Khalil Davis works out at AdventHealth Training Center. Kim Klement-Imagn Images

Buccaneers Super Bowl champion retiring from NFL

Originally posted on Tampa Bay Buccaneers on SI
By Darius Hayes | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 1:00 PM ET

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Khalil Davis has decided to hang up his cleats.

Davis announced his retirement from the NFL as training camps open around the league. His agent confirmed to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Monday.

The former Buccaneers lineman, drafted out of Nebraska in 2020, made two regular-season appearances for Tampa Bay in his rookie year. Though his playing time was limited, Davis earned a Super Bowl ring as part of the team’s championship run.

Tampa Bay waived him during the 2021 season. Davis went on to have brief stints with the Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams and multiple returns to the Buccaneers’ practice squad. Davis also spent time with the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL. He had 15 tackles and one sack with Birmingham, which earned him an opportunity with the Texans.

Davis signed with the Texans in 2023, which is where he found a more consistent role. He appeared in 24 games with Houston over parts of two seasons, recording his highest snap share (41 percent) in 2023.

In total, Davis played in 34 regular and postseason games across his NFL career, registering 46 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and three sacks. He earned just over $4 million during his time in the league.

Though his time in Tampa Bay was brief, he exits the league a champion and a grinder who carved out five seasons in one of the toughest professions in sports.