Leonard Davis life and biography

Leonard Davis is an American football guard in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys.

PRO: Prior to the 2007 season, Leonard Davis joined Dallas as the highest profile free agent acquisition on the offensive line in club history. During the 2007 season, he exceeded all expectations and earned his first career Pro Bowl selection. Davis continued to establish himself as one of the most physically dominant guards in the NFL in 2008 and 2009 as he earned his second and third consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl as an integral part of one of the league's biggest and most productive units. His massive size and natural strength make him a powerful force as a run blocker, and his pass blocking ability helped quarterback Tony Romo re-write the Dallas record book. Davis came to his native state of Texas after spending six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. One of the most heralded offensive linemen to come out of the University of Texas, Davis was the second pick in the 2001 NFL Draft after the Falcons chose Michael Vick with the first pick. Davis has started 139 games in nine seasons and is expected to be a solid contributor at guard for several more seasons in Dallas. He played guard in his first three years in the NFL and switched to left tackle in Arizona in 2004. With the release of left tackle Flozell Adams following the 2009 season, Davis is now one of the most experienced offensive linemen on the roster and his versatility could be called on in 2010.

2009:
# Started all 16 games at right guard and earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl berth - joining fellow offensive lineman Andre Gurode.
# The Cowboys finished second in the NFL (second in the NFC) in total offense, averaging 399.4 yards-per-game.
# Dallas' passing game finished sixth in the NFL (second in the NFC) with 267.9 yards-per-game.
# The rushing offense ranked seventh in the NFL (third in the NFC), gaining 2,103 yards on the season, 131.4 yards-per-game.
# Dallas gained 6,390 total yards of offense to mark the most in a season in team history and the first 6,000-plus yard season in team history.
# Offensive line returned all five starters from 2008 in the season opener at Tampa Bay (9/13) to help the Cowboys churn out 8.9 yards-per-play for 462 total yards. Line allowed time for quarterback Tony Romo to complete 16-of-27 passes for a single-game career-high 353 yards and three touchdowns - all over 40-yards - and one for a career-long 80 yards to Patrick Crayton, while allowing just one sack.
# Helped clear the way for 251 net rushing yards against the N.Y. Giants (9/20) as the ground game averaged 8.7 yards-per-carry, marking the highest rushing yard average for any game dating back to the 1970 season. The 251 net rushing yards was the most for the club since rushing for 271 net yards at Philadelphia (10/31/93).
# Blocked for back-to-back 200-plus yard rushing games for the first time since 1979 (at Minnesota, 10/7 and against Los Angeles, 10/14) and sixth time in team history as the team amassed 212 rushing yards against Carolina (9/28).
# The line helped the club gain a season-high 498 total net yards on 61 plays at Kansas City (10/11). Also allowed time for Romo to complete 20-of-34 passes for 351 yards - the second-highest of his career - and two touchdowns, while giving up just one sack. On the ground, Cowboys runners were able to garner 150 yards on 26 carries (5.8 avg.) with one score.
# Against Atlanta (10/25) the line once again provided Romo with time to pass for 300-plus yards (311) while completing 72.4% of his passes (21-of-29) for three touchdowns with a season-best 141.6 quarterback rating. Also helped the running game eclipse 100 rushing yards (115) for the fifth game this year.
# The offense amassed 358 total yards with 282 through the air as Romo completed 21-of-34 passes with one touchdown and one interception at Philadelphia (11/8) as the team garnered its fourth consecutive win - marking the club's longest winning streak since seven straight in 2007.
# The offensive line was forced to re-shuffle when Marc Colombo suffered a broken left fibula and high ankle sprain on the second offensive series of the game at Green Bay (11/15). With Doug Free taking over, the line was still able to help Romo complete 24 passes for 251 yards with one touchdown and one interception while allowing five sacks.
# Free took over as starting right tackle against Washington (11/22), as the line allowed only one sack of Romo on 27 passing attempts as he threw for 158 yards and the running game was able to grind out 153 yards.
# The offense amassed 494 yards of total offense (195 rushing, 309 passing) against Oakland (11/26) to mark the fifth time to reach 400 yards this season, which tied the second-highest figure in a season in club history. The offense was able to record 10 plays of 20-or-more yards and had eight plays of 25-or-more yards.
# Allowed only two sacks of Romo at the N.Y. Giants (12/6), as he established career-bests in attempts (55) - second in team history - completions (41) - team record - and passing yards (392) for a completion percentage of 74.5 while throwing three touchdowns. The team totaled 424 yards of offense marking the sixth game of the season with 400-or-more yards, which tied the most games of 400-or-more yards in a season in club history (1979, 1981, 1983 and 2007).
# The offensive line helped the offense rack up 439 total yards at previously undefeated New Orleans (12/19) to mark the seventh game of 400-or-more yards this season, which is the most in a season in club history. The team had 195 yards of total offense in the first quarter and 156 passing yards as they jumped out to an early 14-0 lead on the Saints. The offense scored touchdowns on its first two possessions for the first time since against Seattle (11/27/08). The line also helped pave the way for Cowboys running backs to gain 145 yards on the ground, including two rushing touchdowns by Marion Barber.
# In the win to clinch a playoff berth at Washington (12/27), the line allowed time for Romo to complete 25-of-38 passes for 286 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The offense totaled 393 yards giving them 5,916 through 15 games for the most in team history through 15 games. The line also controlled the clock for 35:02 as the team converted seven-of-13 on third down.
# Helped the club win its 17th NFC East Division title while paving the way for 179 rushing yards and 311 passing yards for 474 total yards of offense - upping their single-season club high of 400-yard games to eight against Philadelphia (1/3/10). The offense gained 6,390 total yards on the season to establish a single-season club record and mark the first time the club has topped 6,000 yards in a season.
# Colombo returned to the starting line-up against Philadelphia (1/9/10) in the NFC Wild Card Game, as the Dallas offense racked up 27 points in the second quarter for the most points in a single quarter in team playoff history while gaining 426 of total offense for the seventh-most in a playoff game in club history. The line also blocked for 198 rushing yards with two rushing touchdowns while controlling the clock for 39:34 and converting nine-of-16 on third down.
# As part of the offensive line at Minnesota (1/17/10), allowed time for Romo to complete 22-of-35 for 198 yards with one interception while allowing six sacks - tying the third-most yielded in a playoff game in club history. Also blocked for a running game that gained 92 yards on 25 attempts and controlled the clock for 30:34.

2008:
# Earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl berth in 2008 as he started all 16 games at right guard for Dallas. Fellow offensive linemen Adams and Gurode also earned Pro Bowl nominations.
# Dallas' passing game finished ninth in the NFL (fifth in the NFC) with 236.8 yards-per-game.
# The rushing offense ranked 21st in the NFL (ninth in the NFC) gaining 1,723 yards on the season, 107.7 yards-per-game.
# With an average of 344.5 yards-per-game of total offense, the Cowboys finished the season 13th in the NFL (eighth in the NFC).
# In the win at Cleveland (9/7), the offensive line did not allow a sack as the offense rolled up 487 total yards - the highest yardage output on the road since 541 yards at Washington (9/12/99). The ground game picked up 167 yards with three touchdowns while Romo had time to complete 24-of-32 passes for 320 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
# Allowed time for Romo to throw for 312 yards to mark back-to-back 300-yard passing games in the home- opening win against Philadelphia (9/15). Also did not allow a sack for the second consecutive week.
# Provided holes for a running game that finished with 217 total yards on 35 carries at Green Bay (9/21) - the most team rushing yards since 217 on 41 carries at Tennessee (10/1/06). Barber finished for a career-high 142 rushing yards.
# The line did not allow a sack in 47 passing attempts against Washington (9/28) as Romo threw for 300 yards - his 13th career 300-yard passing game, tying him with Troy Aikman for the most in club history.
# In the overtime loss at Arizona (10/12), the line allowed time for Romo to throw for 300 yards for the 14th time of his career - the most by any Cowboys quarterback.
# The offensive line blocked for the second 100-yard rusher of the season as Barber picked up 100 yards on 18 carries for a 5.6 average and one score at St. Louis (10/19). The passing game - led by Brad Johnson - gained 217 yards on 17-of-34 passing with one touchdown and three interceptions.
# In a defensive battle against Tampa Bay (10/26), the offense only managed 172 total yards but was able to come away with a victory with no turnovers. The 172 total yards were the least amount gained in a win in team history. The club did not record a turnover - snapping a streak of 21 consecutive games with a turnover.
# In Romo's first game back at Washington (11/16), the line did not allow a sack in 27 passing attempts and also blocked for Barber, who gained 114 rushing yards on 24 attempts and completely dominated the last six minutes of the game, allowing the Cowboys to run out the clock and seal the win.
# Romo threw for a season-high 341 yards in the win against San Francisco (11/23) marking his fifth 300-yard passing game of the season - on 23-of-39 passes.
# The offense scored on its first four possessions en route to a 34-9 victory against Seattle (11/27). The line did not give up a sack and allowed time for Romo to throw for 331 yards - the third-most by a Cowboy on Thanksgiving Day and his sixth 300-yard game of the season.
# Helped block for rookie running back Tashard Choice, who finished with 88 rushing yards on 23 carries, at Pittsburgh (12/7) - for the highest individual rushing total against the Steelers all season.
# Against Baltimore (12/20) in the final game at Texas Stadium, the line protected Romo as he threw for 252 yards on 24-of-45 passing with two touchdowns and two interceptions while allowing only two sacks. They also created holes for Choice, who finished with 17 carries for 90 yards and a touchdown.

2007:
# Earned his first Pro Bowl selection after starting all 16 games at right guard, and joined fellow line mates Adams and Gurode on the NFC offensive front.
# Was one of 13 Cowboys selected - setting a team and NFL record.
# Was also a second-team All-Pro selection by the Associated Press.
# Played a key role in one of the most prolific offensive seasons in club history, while helping the team to a club-record tying 13 victories and the first NFC East title for Dallas since 1998.
# The Dallas offense finished the season second in the NFL in scoring (first in the NFC) with an average of 28.4 points-per-game. The 455 points scored marked the second-most in club history behind the 1983 team (479 points).
# With an average of 365.7 yards-per-game, the Cowboys were third in the NFL (second in the NFC) in total offense.
# Dallas ranked fourth in the NFL (third in the NFC) in passing with an average of 256.6 yards-per-game.
# In the rushing offense category, the Cowboys were 17th in the NFL (seventh in the NFC) with an average of 109.1 yards-per-game.
# In the win over the N.Y. Giants on opening night (9/9), the line allowed just one sack on 24 pass plays and the running game picked up 142 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries (4.7 avg.). The offense scored six touchdowns - tied for the fourth-most in club history in a season opener as they racked up 478 total yards - the most in a non-overtime game since 1996.
# Helped the offense put up 431 total yards at Chicago (9/23) as the Cowboys produced a 100-yard rusher (Barber), 100-yard receiver (Terrell Owens) and a 300-yard passer (Romo) for the first time in a game since an overtime win at Washington (9/12/99).
# In the win over St. Louis (9/30), the line allowed just one sack as Romo completed 21-of-33 passes for 339 yards. The running game gained 171 yards as the offense racked up 502 total yards for the first time since the Washington overtime win (9/12/99).
# Against Minnesota (10/21) helped give Romo the time to complete 28-of-32 first half passes and 31 completions in the game for a single-game career-high.
# In the win over Washington (11/18), the offense allowed only one sack on 32 pass attempts with Romo completing 22 passes for 293 yards and four touchdowns. It was the first time in team history a quarterback threw four touchdowns in back-to-back weeks.
# In the Thanksgiving Day win over the N.Y. Jets (11/22), helped provide the holes for the second 100-yard rusher of the season - Barber (103) - as the running game picked up a season-high 174 yards.
# Against Green Bay (11/29) did not allow a sack for the third time in 2007 as Romo completed 19-of-30 passes for 414 yards and four touchdowns. It was the fifth time the offense amassed 400-or-more yards in the season and the sixth 300-yard passing game of the year for Romo.
# At Detroit (12/9) the Dallas offense racked up 368 total yards as Romo recorded his seventh 300-yard game of the season with a 110.4 passer rating - his seventh consecutive game with a passer rating above 100.0.
# In the playoff loss to the N.Y. Giants (1/13/08), the line led a season-long 20-play, 90-yard drive for a touchdown in the second quarter that consumed 10:28, marking the longest time of possession on any drive in 2007. The line also provided holes for Barber - who finished with a career-high 129 yards on 27 carries (4.8 avg.).

2006 (Arizona):
# Started 16 regular season games at left tackle for the Arizona Cardinals.
# Was the leader of a unit that helped Edgerrin James become the first 1,000-yard rusher for Arizona since Adrian Murrell in 1998.
# Helped James produce the Cardinals first individual 100-yard rushing game since 2004 when he ran for 115 yards at St. Louis (12/3).
# Then helped James rush for 115 yards the following week in a 27-21 win over Seattle (12/10). The Cardinals line did not allow a sack of quarterback Matt Leinart.
# Two weeks later, James gained 105 yards in a 26-20 win at San Francisco (12/24).

2005 (Arizona):
# Started the first 15 games at left tackle before a knee injury forced him to miss the final game of the season at Indianapolis (1/1/06).
# His blocking helped Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner complete a club-record 64.5 percent of his 375 pass attempts.
# The Cardinals finished with the NFL's best passing offense for the first time in club history with 277.3 yards-per-game and ranked eighth in the NFL in total offense with 348.4 yards-per-game.

2004 (Arizona):
# Made a successful switch to left tackle after playing guard his first three years in the NFL.
# Started 15 games at left tackle in 2004 under first-year Cardinals head coach Dennis Green.
# Arizona went 6-10, including 5-3 at home, giving the Cardinals a winning record at home for the first time since 1998.
# Helped the NFL's all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith, rush for 937 yards and nine touchdowns in his final season. Smith finished his career with 18,355 rushing yards.
# Left the game against Seattle (12/26) with a knee injury and was placed on Reserve/Injured on December 31.
# Missed the final game of the year, a win over Tampa Bay (1/2/05).

2003 (Arizona):
# Missed the preseason after breaking a bone in his right hand during training camp.
# Started the regular season at right guard in Detroit (9/7), marking the first time he had played right guard since the 2001 season finale at Washington (1/6/02).
# Left the game against the Lions in the first half with a right ankle sprain and did not return.
# Despite limited practice time, returned to full-time duty in the Cardinals home-opening loss to Seattle (9/14).
# Was inactive the following two weeks, against Green Bay (9/21) and at St. Louis (9/28) due to the injury.
# Blocking helped rookie Anquan Boldin set a rookie record for receptions with 101. Boldin also had 1,377 receiving yards.

2002 (Arizona):
# A preseason injury to starting right tackle Anthony Clement forced Davis to move to right tackle for the first time in his NFL career.
# Made first pro start at right tackle in the season opener at Washington (9/8).
# While playing tackle and his regular position, right guard, helped Marcel Shipp rush for 834 yards and 4.4 yards-per-carry.
# Arizona averaged 4.4 yards-per-carry and 113.9 yards-per-game on the ground.
# Sprained his left knee in a loss to San Francisco (12/21) and did not finish the game.
# After the season, underwent an arthroscopic procedure on the knee (1/16/03).

2001 (Arizona):
# As a rookie, started 16 regular season games at right guard.
# Was a consensus All-Rookie selection despite suffering from back spasms late in the season.
# The Cardinals offensive line allowed just 29 sacks, the second-fewest in a 16-game season in Cardinals history. The 1978 Cardinals, which featured three Pro Bowlers - center Tom Banks, tackle Dan Dierdorf, and guard Bob Young - allowed 22 sacks.
# With solid protection, quarterback Jake Plummer threw for 3,653 yards and 18 touchdowns, his most touchdown passes in a season as a Cardinal.

COLLEGE
# As the second overall selection in the 2001 NFL Draft, was the highest University of Texas Longhorn player chosen since Kenneth Sims went first in 1982.
# Following his senior year, was a first-team All-America selection at left tackle by the Walter Camp Foundation, The Football Writers Association, and The Sporting News.
# A consensus All-Big 12 Conference first-team selection, was one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, given to the top lineman in college football.
# As a senior, helped the Longhorns finish 12th in the nation following a 9-3 season and a berth in the Holiday Bowl.
# Texas ranked eighth in the nation in scoring in 2000 with 38.6 points-per-game and 14th in the nation in total offense with 439.0 yards-per-game.
# Began his collegiate career as a defensive lineman and moved to the offensive line after his freshman year.

PERSONAL
# Signing with the Cowboys allowed Leonard Barnett Davis to relocate to the NFL town closest to his home in Wortham, Texas, which is 70 miles southeast of Dallas.
# In a town of just over 1,000 residents, attended Wortham High School, which had fewer than 150 students.
# Was a first-team all-state selection on offense and defense at Wortham.
# Was honored as a Parade magazine and USA Today first-team All-America after his senior season.
# Also lettered in track and basketball.
# Finished fourth in the shot put and fifth in the discus at the Texas Class 1A finals as a senior. He was third in the shot put and fifth in the discus at the state finals as a junior.
# In basketball, averaged 10.0 points and 10.0 rebounds-per-game and led Wortham to the Texas Class 1A hoops title.
# Always the biggest player on his high school teams, was 6-3, 305 pounds in seventh grade.
# His older half-brother, Charles, began his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974, then played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1975-79) and the USFL's Houston Gamblers (1980).
# Has 21 half-brothers and half-sisters.
# Before Leonard was born, his father, L.A. Davis, had 11 children from a previous marriage, and his mother, Sammie Lee, had 10 children from a previous marriage.
# Davis and his wife, Amanda, have two daughters, Meeya and Mariya.
# Was a youth and community services major at Texas.

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