The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hall of Famer Davis recalls woes at UGA
Former Denver running back Terrell Davis, who had a checkered career at the University of Georgia, was selected for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday.
Here’s what Davis had to say about his days at Georgia (1992-94) and on his enshrinement:
Discuss your days at Georgia: “My Georgia days were rough, and that’s part of the journey. When you look back on it, you’ve got a guy who comes from California, goes to Georgia and is fighting his way through a system where he didn’t feel like he fit in. I didn’t feel like my style of running was received well in Georgia. They wanted guys who had explosive plays, and that was not me. The head coach (Ray Goff ) and I didn’t see eye to eye. Part of it was me not being able to answer the challenge that was given to me. I kind of shrunk when the stage was bright. Georgia, that was a bright stage coming from California. I’ve learned a lot from that. That really helped to propel me when I went to Denver and I saw the same bright lights. I was able to at least think back to those days and moments and say, ‘you know what, T.D., you’ve been there before, and the lights were bright back then and you shrunk. Now, you need to rise up.’”
On getting the news about the Hall of Fame: “I’ve been smiling all day long. I’m been trying to see and collect my thoughts about how I actually feel about it. I’m obviously excited. The process is not over. I’m still trying to make sure that they can’t take it away and that everything is official. Then we’ll celebrate.
“Looking back on my career ... I’ve always felt that it was satisfying. I was satisfied with Super Bowl rings. I was on teams that accomplished great things and the individual success that I’ve had and now having this is kind of like the final snap on a career like that. I have thought about this for a long time and really didn’t know if or when this would happen.
“I’ve felt good about it the last couple of years that it was getting closer to maybe or possibly happening. But I didn’t expect this year. I did not. With L.T. (LaDainian Tomlinson) being in that there was no way that they would put in a running back like me. But it happened, and I’m glad it happened. I’m excited. I’m looking forward to the journey.
“I was cool all day because I went through this before. I just went about my day. Again, because I didn’t think it could possible happen ...”
His message to kids from his high school in San Diego: “I would say don’t ever quit on yourself. That’s kind of my message to kids. A lot of times you can put yourself in position to be successful by doing the right things. Go to school. Do the right things, and stay on the path. Don’t take yourself off the path because you never know where it’s going to lead you. I almost took myself off the path my rookie year when I played for Denver. I almost quit the team. I almost went home from Tokyo. I wouldn’t be standing here today. If you are passionate about something, continue to do it. Never, ever quit on yourself.”
On a big kickoff return: “There are always defining moments in everybody’s career. That was my defining moment. That was the one that got me the opportunity to run with the football, and I took advantage of it when they let me do it. We all have those in our lives. There are a couple of moments in my life that I look back on and I say ‘wow.’ All of this had to happen for me to get here. It was bob and weave, a lot of unexpected twists and turns, and here I am standing in front of you guys talking about the Hall of Fame, which is incredible.”
On more Broncos going in: “We have to get more guys in. I think Karl Mecklenburg and Steve Atwater belong. ( John) Lynch is a former Bronco and a Buc, and he needs to get in as well. But Steve Atwater and Karl Mecklenburg, it’s time. The guys impacted the game like their peers, and they need to be honored in that fashion.”
On his playoff career: “The one thing I would do is try to treat every game the same. By doing that, it allowed me to play in big moments . ... I was going to give you my all. I never felt the need to have to turn it up in the postseason.”