Davion Taylor is a professional football player. The last time the Eagles and Chiefs met in the big game, Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Ariz., in Feb. 2023, Taylor stood on the Eagles sidelines, in Eagles gear, cheering on his teammates. This Sunday, he’ll watch from his apartment in Nashville as Philly and KC meet again at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.

Taylor moved to Tennessee last November at the end of his first season as a linebacker for the Ottawa Redblacks in the Canadian Football League. While waiting for the next chapter of his football career to become clear, he’s working as a coach at the D1 Training facility in Cool Springs where he teaches youth athlete classes and does 1-on-1 training.

That Davion Taylor has spent five years in pro football is remarkable. Especially considering his unique start in the sport: Because of his religion, Taylor was not allowed to compete in high school football games on Friday nights because it happened during the Sabbath - sundown Friday to sundown Saturday.

DAVION'S STORY IN DAVION'S WORDS

Faith has been a huge part of my journey. It ties back to the very beginning of my football story.
I started playing football because of my brother. He picked up the sport in junior high but had to stop in high school for the same religious reasons. I always tell people he was 10 times the athlete I was. For me, I wanted to finish what he started.
I fell in love with the game, and even though I couldn’t play in high school, I knew I had talent. Just from junior high and JV, I saw how good I was and how much better I could become. My senior year, I decided to take a leap of faith. I approached the head coach and asked if I could practice with the team, even though I couldn’t play in games. I just wanted to keep developing my skills and trust that God had a plan for me.
Early my senior season, the sun was setting later than usual, so my mom let me play in a game until halftime. I ended up playing the whole game. I had an interception and made several big plays. That game solidified my belief that I could make it to the next level.
Eventually, I got an opportunity at northeast Mississippi community college called Coahoma. That summer, I was one of about 150 guys who showed up to try out as walk-ons. I made it past every round of cuts. Then, the coaches called me and two other linebackers into the office and said, "This is the last week to prove yourselves. Only one of you will stay." That night, I got down on my hands and knees and prayed. I told God, "If this isn’t meant for me, don’t let me make the team. But if it is, please work a miracle."
The next day, one linebacker quit, and the other got injured. I had no choice but to make the team. Every time I tell that story, I get chills because I know that was God answering my prayer. That moment gave me the confidence that I could make it all the way.
I played at Coahoma for a year, still learning and growing in the game. Colorado was my first Power Five offer. One of my Coahoma coaches advised me to wait, so I decided to stay another year. That second season was my best. I developed so much as a player, and by the end of the year, I was ranked the number one JUCO outside linebacker in the nation with over 20 Division I offers.
Colorado, seeing that Ole Miss was making a strong push, asked me what they could do to solidify my commitment. I told them I wanted to keep running track. Right there in front of me, the football coach called the track coach and said, "I’ve got a guy who wants to run track for you." The track coach said, "He’s on the team." Just like that. That sealed it for me—I signed with Colorado.

Looking back, my entire journey is a testament to faith and perseverance. Every time I was faced with an obstacle, God made a way. That’s why I keep faith at the center of everything I do—because I know I wouldn’t be here without it.

DAVION TAYLOR PRO FOOTBALL TIMELINE

April 2020: Drafted in third round by Eagles
August 2020: Hamstring injury during Eagles training camp
October 2020: Records first tackle against the Ravens
December 2020: Tears MCL against the Packers
August 2021: Tears calf in training camp
October 2021: Makes first NFL start against Buccaneers
November 2021: Tears MCL against the Saints, has first major surgery
August 2022: Cut by Eagles during camp, re-signs to practice squad
February 2023: On sidelines during Super Bowl as member of Eagles practice squad
August 2023: Cut by Eagles early in camp
August 2023: Signed by Bears, cut two weeks later
September 2023: Signed to Cardinals practice squad
October 2023: Cut by Cardinals; re-signed and cut again in January
March 2024: Signs two-year deal with Ottawa Redblacks of the CFL
November 2024: Finishes first CFL season with 51 tackles and 3 sacks

Looking ahead, my goal is still to get back to the NFL. But if that doesn’t happen this year, I’ll reassess. I’m only 26, but in football years, I’ll be 27 soon, and I know that window for an NFL return starts to close. If I don’t get an NFL opportunity after this CFL season, I’m open to making a career in the CFL.

DAVION X D1: 'THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT'

I got connected to D1 because I had my NASM certification. A friend of mine recommended D1 because he’s the head coach at two Colorado locations. I found out that D1’s headquarters was actually near where I live in Nashville. The moment I walked in, I fell in love with the place. As soon as I saw the facility—the field, the weight room, the space—I knew it was special.

Right now, I focus mostly on one-on-one training and working with the rookies and developmental athletes. I don’t lead adult classes yet, but I do participate in them. That’s another thing I love about D1—being both a coach and a participant keeps me engaged. People know I’m a professional athlete, so they hold me to a higher standard. If I slack off, they call me out. For example, today, I was lifting 55s, and another guy next to me was using 70s. He looked at me and said, "That’s all you got?" That competitive atmosphere pushes me to work even harder. D1 gives me the structure, the support, and the right environment to train others while still pushing myself. It’s been a great fit for me, and I’m excited to keep growing here.

Favorite movement at D1: Bench press, easy.
Least favorite movement at D1: Front squat with a pause. Hate ‘em.

SUPER BOWL PLANS AND THOUGHTS ON THE GAME

For the Super Bowl, I’ll be watching at home with my oldest brother. My fiancée has military duties, so she’ll be out of town watching with her family. We’ll probably order some pizza, maybe make some Rotel dip, and just enjoy the game together.
As for the game itself, if the refs don’t interfere, I really believe the Eagles have the best shot at winning. This is the first time in a while they’re fully healthy, and they have a complete team on all fronts—great running backs, elite receivers, and a stacked defense with additions like Nolan Smith and Jalen Carter.
I just hope it’s a good, fair game. If the Chiefs win and it’s clean, I’ll accept it. But after the way last year’s Super Bowl ended, with that late holding call on James Bradberry, I just don’t want to see the game decided by the refs again. No one wants that.

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