Vernon Davis has at all times been a force to be reckoned with.

The profession of the former NFL player reads like a summary of the excellence of American football: sixth overall pick in the 2006 NFL DraftPro Bowl selection and Super Bowl 50 champion with the Denver Broncos. But lately, the Washington native is targeted on a distinct type of victory – one that would ceaselessly change the landscape of women’s sports.

In an exclusive interview with ESSENCE, Davis revealed his latest enterprise: becoming one in every of the minority owners of DC Powerrelated to the women’s football team D.C. United. This move signals not only a business investment, but makes a powerful statement about the way forward for athletics.

“I am one of the biggest supporters. I love women’s sports,” Davis says, and his passion is evident even during our Zoom call. “I believe that women should have the same rights as men. I feel like their sport, any sport they play, should be equally important. For Davis, this investment goes beyond a typical business transaction. “It’s more than just me becoming the owner, it’s about the support and belief we have in each other. I believe in women. I believe in what they do and they should be praised just as much as men when it comes to their athletic endeavors.”

This latest chapter in Davis’ profession could seem unexpected to those that only know him from his 14 seasons in the NFL, where he established himself as one in every of the most dynamic tight ends in the history of the game. But for many who have followed his journey through the NFL – which has included acting, entrepreneurship and now team ownership – it is a natural evolution for somebody who has at all times seen beyond the end zone.

The foundation of Davis’ success, each on and off the field, was built through years of disciplined dedication to his craft. “The core of who you are is more important than anything else,” he reflects. “If you apply some of the tactics like preparation, hard work, hard work, dedication, putting those things in, if you put it into anything, you will excel in everything you do.” He shares a sobering commentary from his business ventures: “I’ve noticed along the way that many individuals simply don’t desire to do the work. They expect something great to occur, they expect success, but they wish to take shortcuts.

His approach to success has been shaped by key moments in his profession, including what he considers his proudest NFL memory – an incident which will surprise many. “If I look back on my NFL career, I would probably say my proudest moment would probably be the incident with my coach,” Davis reveals. “That was the moment I noticed that it was more necessary to place my team first than worrying about what was happening to me, my accolades and things like that. So the development involved the moment when the coach sent me to the locker room on national television.

This 12 months, Davis added the word “author” to his impressive resume by writing a book in which he shares his travels and insights. “I was inspired to write this book [] because I had a moment to myself when I realized that life is not guaranteed,” he explains. “If I can give back to my journey and my experiences to those in need, that’s what it’s all about. Because I have been in this situation myself, where I was looking for a certain book that would help me… if we are able to see and feel that someone else has been on a similar journey to us, and maybe there is something we can take away from this book that applies to us, It’s a big help.”

While his football accolades speak for themselves – and he admits that induction into the Hall of Fame “would mean everything” because “it’s the reason we play this game” – Davis’ current focus is on creating opportunities for others. Maintains connections with fans through various platforms, including collaboration with Smirnoff, the official vodka sponsor of the NFL, regarding their Match-day matchups initiative. The show, which brings soccer enthusiasts together for a novel viewing experience, reflects Davis’ belief in the power of community and connection in sports.

The collaboration that kicked off in Los Angeles on Thursday Night Football is that this now headed to Detroit for the Packers vs. Lions, which is able to happen on December 5. “It’s a unique opportunity,” Davis says about the Smirnoff Game Day experience. “I didn’t know what to expect, but it was something I would love to be a part of again. It’s a way to bring people together in a unique way.”

For young athletes seeking to follow in his footsteps, Davis emphasizes the importance of character and wisdom. “Listen, open your ears. Always be careful,” he advises. “Because listening permits you to gain wisdom. And now, as I sit here, I wish I had the wisdom I had then. He shares advice that has guided his own journey: “A clever man once told me, ‘If you are likeable, you’ve got opportunities.’ You never know once you will see that person again, life is like an enormous wheel.

When asked about the legacy he hopes to depart behind, Davis’ answer reflects the depth of character that has made him successful in every arena he has entered. “I want people to remember that I was kind, I was a leader, I was an inspiration and I cared about people,” he says. “When they look at me, I want them to say, ‘He was a good man.’ He was one of the best people I have ever met.”

Through this investment in DC Power and continued support of women’s sports, Davis is writing a brand new chapter in his legacy – one which goes far beyond his impressive NFL profession. In a 12 months that has seen unprecedented growth in viewership and support for women’s sports, Davis shouldn’t be only talking about change, but actively investing in it. His commitment to the development of women’s athletics shouldn’t be nearly business – it’s about making a more equitable future for all athletes, no matter gender.

After all, as Davis has proven throughout his profession, true champions don’t just win games – they alter them for the higher.