• Don has seamlessly transitioned from a successful NFL career to his current role as a business executive. His leadership has transformed the NFLPA’s player affairs operations and expanded player services and outreach, while also establishing detailed metrics for success and accountability.

    Don facilitates a culture of collaboration, innovation and excellence. His track record of success includes securing $730,000 for the launch of the NFLPA One Team PAC and the design and launch of the NFLPA Annual Leadership Summit to identify and train future NFLPA board members.

  • A dynamic personality, Don has been a widely sought after national speaker and facilitator and is respected for his leadership, tenacity and precise business acumen.

    In addition to speaking to NFL players on a regular basis, Don has had the privilege to provide impactful messages to business leaders, community organizations, and schools.

  • Don is a devoted husband and loving father; he truly lives a life of faith and service while empowering, protecting and improving the lives of NFL players.

    Don’s professional journey also includes serving with Pro Athletes Outreach (PAO) as Director of NFL Programs. PAO, a conference based ministry, is exclusively for professional athletes who are attempting to balance football, family, finances and faith.

  • Don's 11-year playing career started with the New Orleans Saints before moving on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and St. Louis Rams. He finished his career with the New England Patriots as a 2x Super Bowl Champion. Upon retirement from football, he was handpicked by Coach Bill Belichick to serve as the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach and Team Chaplain.

  • Don is a proud graduate of the University of Kansas, where he received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Human Development. He also earned a Masters in Business Administration and a Doctorate of Education from George Washington University. His dissertation, The Journey Through No-Man’s Land: A Phenomenological Study of NFL Free-Agent Players’ Transition Experience from Active NFL Player to Retired NFL Player is available here.

  • Don is a proud husband and father. He and his wife of 22 years Yannette, have raised two beautiful daughters together.

    Don believes that his faith and the encouragement of his family, is what equips him with the passion and motivation to lead with integrity.

Don Davis is the Senior Director of Player Affairs and Senior Advisor to the Executive Director for the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), the union that governs the professional football players of the NFL. In this role, Don serves as the union’s direct point of contact and lead player rights advocate for all 1900 active players within the NFL – a position that requires both strength and diplomacy.

A crucial resource for the union, Don is responsible for leading and overseeing the management of varying aspects of player labor issues. Specifically, Don ensures that players understand the individual rights and benefits outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Don is a widely sought after speaker and facilitator, and is respected for his leadership, tenacity and precise business acumen. Don matriculated seamlessly from a robust career as a professional football player to his current role as an executive who has transformed the union’s player affairs operations, expanded outreach and established detailed metrics for success.

Don is as a strategic visionary. And as a visionary, he facilitates a culture of collaboration, accountability and excellence. His track record of success includes securing $730,000 for the launch of the NFLPA One Team PAC in its inaugural year; achieving 100% participation of union representatives at the annual board of representatives meeting; and, the design and launch of the NFLPA Annual Leadership Summit to identify and train future NFLPA board members.

Prior to joining the NFLPA, Don enjoyed a successful 11-year playing career and earned two Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots. Upon retirement, he was handpicked by Patriot’s Coach Bill Belichick to serve as the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach and Team Chaplain in 2007.

People - Purpose - Process