New Orleans Saints’ linebacker, Demario Davis, has been chosen by fellow NFL players to receive the 2021 Bart Star Award for exemplifying outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. It is the only award—other than the Pro Bowl—voted on by all NFL players and will be awarded at the Super Bowl Breakfast on February 6.
“There’s a false perception around masculinity in many of our communities today,” said Tamela Davis, Demario’s wife. “True masculinity requires one to faithfully love and pursue Christ—I admire how my husband displays this on a daily basis. He’s one of the most selfless humans I know, always serving others at maximum capacity.”
While leading the Saints in tackles on the field, off-the-field Davis tackles challenges in life with equal fervor. In 2020, Davis actively demonstrated his unwavering faith as his family faced a very personal battle: doctors discovered Davis’ young daughter had a rare form of eye cancer known as retinoblastoma and had to remove her left eye. Cancer-free as of December, Davis believes his daughter’s trial provided the opportunity for his family to encounter and encourage others throughout their journey.
Also, in 2020, Davis helped launch the #SayHerName campaign to raise awareness of issues facing black women in America. His Devoted Dreamers project—founded with his wife Tamela—equips “the next generation of leaders with the tools to be successful, spiritually, mentally, and physically.”