Ashtyn Davis

Ashtyn Davis's Biography

Ashtyn Davis, born October 10, 1996, is an established American professional football player specialized in the safety position for New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). His career path towards football has been unconventional, proving his resilience, talent, and unwavering spirit. His journey began in Santa Cruz, California, where he was raised and started laying the foundation for his stellar athletic career at Santa Cruz High School.

His role at Santa Cruz was as a wide receiver. Looking to improve his speed on the field, his quarterback suggested he join the school’s track team. Although he was only lightly recruited as a football player, his extraordinary performance in the 110 meters hurdles at a county track meet drew attention from college track coaches. This interest, combined with his acceleration on the track field, unlocked his college journey that later led to his professional football career.

Davis joined the University of California’s track and field team as a walk-on, with no scholarship to his name. It wasn’t until the spring of his freshman year that he tried out for and made the University’s football team. Throughout his college career, he proved his determination isn’t limited to off-field achievements only. By the second half of his redshirt sophomore year, Davis had established himself as the starting safety for the California Golden Bears alongside Jaylinn Hawkins.

In his redshirt junior year, Davis raised his game yet another notch, making 56 tackles, breaking up five passes and intercepting four more while returning 24 kicks for an impressive 629 yards and a touchdown. His performances weren’t unnoticed. He was named first-team All-Pac-12 Conference by the Associated Press, Athlon Sports and Pro Football Focus. The conference’s coaches gave him an honorable mention.

Senior year proved to be a pinnacle of his college football journey. He started the year on the watchlist for the prestigious Paul Hornung Award and was rated the third-best safety prospect expected in the 2020 NFL Draft by ESPN’s analyst Mel Kiper. Later, he became a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy. His consistency throughout the year was extraordinary. He single-handedly made 55 tackles, intercepted two passes, defended four passes, and forced two fumbles while recovering a fumble himself. By the end of his college career, Davis had made 166 tackles, intercepted seven passes, defended 12 passes, forced two fumbles, and recovered three fumbles on defense while returning 70 kicks for 1,604 yards and a touchdown and two punts for 33 yards.

In track and field, he didn’t falter too. As a senior, he won the Pac-12 110 meter hurdles title and was subsequently named second-team All-American. He was also recognized as an NCAA Indoor All-American in the 60-meter hurdles. His time in California was, in many respects, a launchpad that propelled him into the NFL.

In the 2020 NFL draft, Davis became the 68th overall selection, chosen by the New York Jets. His selection resulted from a trade that happened between the Jets and the Giants involving defensive lineman, Leonard Williams. Since joining the Jets, Davis has demonstrated his skill and talent consistently. In Week 11 against the LA Chargers, Davis led the team with 12 tackles and even recovered a fumble forced by teammate Marcus Maye on wide receiver Keenan Allen at the goal line, despite a 34-28 loss.

Facing challenges hasn’t deterred Davis from his football journey. After ending the 2020 season on the injured list, he was placed on injured reserve again in September 2021. However, in just a month, he was activated again on October 2, proving his determination and resilience. This resilience was rewarded with another contract as Davis re-signed with the New York Jets on April 11, 2024.