Marcus Davenport, the trailblazing former UTSA star, is officially hanging up his cleats after a nine-year NFL career, according to reports from ESPN and the NFL Network. This guy, who was the first product from UTSA ever picked in the opening round of the NFL Draft, made the tough call after seeing just 12 snaps in a game for the Chicago Bears. What a way to go out, right?
From Roadrunner Record-Setter to First-Round Pick
Davenport’s journey to the NFL was absolutely wild, starting way back when he was a two-star recruit from Stevens. He hit UTSA weighing just 198 pounds, but by his senior year, he was a legit 260-pound monster, surging up draft boards like crazy. He played four seasons for the Roadrunners from 2014 through 2017, absolutely dominating in his senior year. He snagged the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year award, putting up 8.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. By the time he left, his 22 sacks, 38 tackles for loss, and six forced fumbles were all UTSA career records, and they still stand! The guy was so legendary at UTSA, he was even part of their inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame class in 2023. Talk about leaving a mark.
A Career Battling Injuries Across Four Teams
After that incredible college run, Davenport was scooped up as the No. 14 overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2018. He was a force in those early years, piling up 21 sacks in his first four seasons. But man, injuries were a constant battle for him. He spent time on the injured reserve or physically unable to perform list in each of his last five seasons. After five years in New Orleans, he bounced around, suiting up for the Minnesota Vikings in 2023, the Detroit Lions in both 2024 and 2025, and then landing with the Chicago Bears this season. He started the fall on the Bears’ practice squad and finally got his first taste of action with those 12 snaps in Sunday’s 23-12 loss to the New York Jets. He requested his release right after that game, per reports, and that was it. His final career numbers close out at 166 total tackles, 25 sacks, and seven forced fumbles.
Davenport’s Lasting Impact
Even through all the NFL changes and challenges, Davenport, along with his dad, Ron, always stayed connected to the UTSA program. Roadrunners coach Jeff Traylor couldn’t say enough good things about him, telling reporters, “First class at all times, and what he’s done for this university will be remembered as long as people study at UTSA.” Traylor even added, “Unbelievable career, even better human. … There’s never been a time Marcus hasn’t been there if we ever needed him.” It’s a tough end to an NFL career that saw him battle through so much, but his legacy as a Roadrunner legend and a stand-up human being is absolutely set in stone.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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