Thomas Davis is finished playing football, and he's coming home.
The longtime linebacker announced on his Instagram page Wednesday night that he was retiring after his release from Washington, and that he planned to sign a one-day contract to retire on March 11 as a member of the Panthers.
"To be able to play 16 years in this league has truly been a blessing, and I can't thank God enough for seeing fit to put me in this position to do that," Davis said. "To the Carolina fanbase, I just want to say to you guys, you guys have been tremendous throughout my entire career. I can not thank you guys enough for your love and support, ...
"I can not wait to sign that one-day (contract) and retire a Panther. Keep pounding."
Davis spent his first 14 years with the Panthers after joining the team as a first-round pick in 2005.
During that time, he made three Pro Bowls and won the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award, but his accomplishments transcended any statistical measure.
Davis overcame three torn ACLs — all in his right knee — but came back an even better player after years of rehab.
Before the injuries, he was the player they drafted from Georgia — fast and physical and an explosive hitter. He was an exceptional special teams player before he ever found a role on defense, but he'd find that soon enough.
Though there was some initial uncertainty about his position (he was a hybrid safety in college), he quickly found a home at linebacker and helped lead some of the league's top defenses.
Davis was beginning to establish himself when the injuries hit in 2009, but setbacks during minicamp in 2010 and Week Two in 2011 made his football future uncertain. After all, no one had done what he was trying to do.
All he did was come back as a more complete linebacker — a craftsman instead of a mere athlete, a man whose knowledge of the game grew to compensate for anything he lost physically.
It's somehow appropriate that all three of his Pro Bowl berths and both All-Pro honors came after the injuries — and they weren't just sympathy votes. Outside linebackers in 4-3 defenses often lag behind in recognition since they don't have the flashy sack numbers of their 3-4 counterparts, but what Davis did in his second act was impossible to ignore.
He came back. All the way back.
And on March 11, he's coming back again.
View photos of linebacker Thomas Davis throughout his career with the Carolina Panthers.
Carolina Panthers play against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Thomas Davis during a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Sunday, December 28, 2008.
Carolina Panthers play against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on Sunday, November 27, 2016 in Oakland, CA.
Carolina Panthers play against Washington on Sunday, November 22, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, December 22, 2013.
Carolina Panthers practice at Bank of America Stadium on Tuesday, January 6, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers practice during the second day of the Pro Bowl at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Saturday, January 28, 2017 in Orlando, FL.
Carolina Panthers play against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 8, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 8, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 8, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC on Sunday, January 12, 2014.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 14, 2008.
Carolina Panthers play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, November 18, 2007.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, November 18, 2007.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in Tampa, FL.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in Tampa, FL.
Carolina Panthers play against the Seattel Seahawks on Sunday, October 18, 2015.
Carolina Panthers against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of American Stadium on Thursday, October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Seattel Seahawks on Sunday, October 18, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, December 6, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 13, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 13, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at Bank of America Field in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panther Thomas Davis (58) tries to rush Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, September 17, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers practice during the second day of the Pro Bowl at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Saturday, January 28, 2017 in Orlando, FL.
Carolina Panthers practice during the second day of the Pro Bowl at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Saturday, January 28, 2017 in Orlando, FL.
Carolina Panther against the Buffalo Bills during at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, September 17, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, November 16, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, December 22, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, December 22, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against Washington on Sunday, November 22, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, November 3, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play the final regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Sunday, December 28, 2014, in Atlanta, GA.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Giants on Sunday, September 22, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against Washington on Sunday, November 22, 2015.
Carolina Panthers Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 Levi's Stadium Santa Clara, CA Sunday, February 7, 2016
Carolina Panthers practice during the second day of the Pro Bowl at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Saturday, January 28, 2017 in Orlando, FL.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Houston Texans during their first preseason game at Bank of American Stadium on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Jets on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, November 18, 2007.
Carolina Panthers against the Green Bay Packers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday, December 24, 2016 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 5, 2008.
Carolina Panther Thomas Davis takes the field against the Houston Texans during their first preseason game at Bank of American Stadium on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank fo America Stadium on Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, September 24, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Seattel Seahawks on Sunday, October 18, 2015.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 14, 2008.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in Tampa, FL.
Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons on December 31, 2017 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Carolina Panthers play against the Seattel Seahawks on Sunday, October 18, 2015.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 14, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2008.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in Tampa, FL.
Carolina Panthers play against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 13, 2015.
Carolina Panthers against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, September 24, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Seattel Seahawks on Sunday, October 18, 2015.
This is a 2016 photo of of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the 2016 active roster as of May 12, 2016 when this images was taken. (AP Photo)
Thomas Davis during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 5, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 5, 2008.
Carolina Panthers play the final regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Sunday, December 28, 2014, in Atlanta, GA.
Carolina Panthers play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 13, 2015.
This is a 2016 photo of of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the 2016 active roster as of May 12, 2016 when this images was taken. (AP Photo)
Thomas Davis during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 28, 2008.
Carolina Panthers against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, November 5, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
This is a 2016 photo of of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the 2016 active roster as of May 12, 2016 when this images was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2016 photo of of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the 2016 active roster as of May 12, 2016 when this images was taken. (AP Photo)
Thomas Davis during a game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 14, 2008.
Carolina Panthers play the final regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Sunday, December 28, 2014, in Atlanta, GA.
The Carolina Panthers defeated the Green Bay Packers 31-24 on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 in Charlotte, N.C.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals during the Wild Card playoff round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2015, in Charlotte, NC.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 28, 2008.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank fo America Stadium on Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Charlotte, NC.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 28, 2008.
Carolina Panthers play against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank fo America Stadium on Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Charlotte, NC.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 14, 2008.
The Carolina Panthers defeated the Green Bay Packers 31-24 on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 in Charlotte, N.C.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on Sunday, September 21, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 5, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 5, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 14, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 5, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Sunday, December 28, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 28, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 5, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on Sunday, September 21, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Monday, December 8, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 28, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on Sunday, September 21, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 26, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, November 11, 2007.
Thomas Davis during a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Sunday, December 28, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Monday, December 8, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on Sunday, November 4, 2007.
Thomas Davis during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on Sunday, September 21, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Sunday, December 28, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 2, 2007.
Thomas Davis during a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Sunday, December 28, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Sunday, December 28, 2008.
Thomas Davis during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 2, 2007.
