Vernon Davis announced his retirement from the NFL in 2020, making his first year of eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2025. While Davis played for the Denver Broncos, winning a Super Bowl there, and the Washington Commanders, he is best known for his time with the San Francisco 49ers.
Davis ranks seventh all-time among tight ends in points scored with 382 and 11th in receiving yards with 7,562. His receiving yard total falls just short of the average among the tight ends already inducted into the Hall of Fame, which is 7,656 yards.
The Hall of Fame's criteria for inductees are stringent, understandably so. Still, fans often question why certain players are overlooked for induction. For example, 49ers fans can't believe that Roger Craig has yet to be inducted, which seems like a significant oversight by the selection committee.
For Davis, the former tight end isn't overthinking his place in NFL history. Speaking to our own Al Sacco and Brian Renick on the "No Huddle" podcast last week, Davis acknowledged that he isn't too concerned with what might or might not happen.
Former #49ers tight end Vernon Davis discusses his Hall of Fame chances and his positive attitude about the uncertainty.#FTTB@VernonDavis85 | @AudacySports | @AlSacco49 | @brenick77
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— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) May 22, 2024
When asked if he's taken the opportunity to think about his Hall of Fame chances, Davis responded, "I never really thought about it. Look, if it's meant for me, then it'll happen. If not, then it won't. But I'm a firm believer in whatever is supposed to happen for a person, then it will happen, whether now or later.
"So it's just one of those things. I just go on in life, try to go on with a positive attitude, and just hope for the best, prepare for the worst."
Davis added, with a smile, "And if it's meant, then, hey, I'll take it."
Drafted sixth overall in 2006, Davis finished his 14-season career with 63 touchdowns. In addition to two Pro Bowl selections (2009, 2013), he was named a second-team All-Pro in 2013 and was part of the 49ers team that competed in Super Bowl XLVII.
You can listen to the entire conversation with Davis below.