Former Bengals, Buccaneers Running Back Has Died

Tony Davis, a former NFL running back who spent parts of his professional career with the Cincinnati Bengals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, passed away on April 5 at the age of 73. His death came after a lengthy battle with complications stemming from Parkinson’s Disease, according to reports from KFOR in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Davis carved out a solid six-year career in the National Football League, appearing in a total of 89 games across his time with both franchises. From 1976 through 1978, he suited up for the Bengals, before joining the Buccaneers for the 1979 to 1981 seasons.

During that span, he carried the ball 91 times, amassing 345 rushing yards while finding the end zone five times on the ground.

In addition to his rushing duties, Davis proved to be a reliable option as a receiver out of the backfield. He hauled in 27 passes for 250 yards and added one receiving touchdown to his professional résumé. His versatility allowed him to contribute in multiple phases of the game during an era when fullbacks and running backs were asked to do more than just run between the tackles.

Special teams play also formed an important part of Davis’s NFL contributions. While with Cincinnati and Tampa Bay, he handled punt returns and kickoff duties regularly. He fielded 42 punts for 357 yards, highlighted by a standout 70-yard return during the 1977 season with the Bengals. Davis also brought back 21 kickoffs for 256 yards over the course of his professional tenure.

Before entering the NFL, Davis built an impressive reputation at the University of Nebraska. Selected by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 1976 NFL Draft, he had already established himself as one of the top rushers in the Big Eight Conference during his collegiate days. A native of Tecumseh, Nebraska, he accumulated 2,174 rushing yards across three seasons from 1973 to 1975 in Lincoln.

His sophomore campaign in 1974 stood out in particular. Davis rushed for 1,114 yards while helping Coach Tom Osborne guide the Cornhuskers through their inaugural season under the longtime leader. That performance helped lay the foundation for what would become a highly successful era in Nebraska football history.

One of Davis’s most memorable moments came in the 1973 Cotton Bowl, when he rushed for 103 yards and scored a touchdown in Nebraska’s victory over Texas. That performance earned him lasting recognition; last year, he was inducted into the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame for his standout efforts in the classic postseason matchup.

Davis continued to shine in bowl games the following year. He earned Most Valuable Player honors in Nebraska’s 1974 Sugar Bowl triumph over Florida. His contributions in that contest were later honored when he was inducted into the Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame in 2021. These accolades added to his already strong legacy within college football.

Beyond the bowl honors, Davis was enshrined in the Nebraska Sports Hall of Fame back in 1989. His impact at the collegiate level remained a point of pride for Husker fans long after his playing days concluded.

After wrapping up his NFL career, Davis had one final season in professional football with the Boston Breakers of the United States Football League in 1983. He then retired from playing and returned to Nebraska, where he joined Tom Osborne’s coaching staff as an assistant. Later in life, he moved to Colorado and took on leadership roles within the football community.

For three years, Davis served as president of the Rocky Mountain chapter of the NFL Alumni Association. In that capacity, along with his work alongside the NFL Players Care Foundation, he helped secure assistance for numerous retired players and their families. His advocacy on behalf of former NFL athletes spanned more than a decade, focusing on improving support systems and resources for those who had given so much to the game.

Davis’s passing leaves behind a legacy defined by hard-nosed running, special teams reliability, and a lifelong commitment to service within the football world.

From his record-setting days in Lincoln to his later efforts supporting fellow players, he exemplified dedication both on and off the field. His contributions continue to resonate with fans and former teammates alike.