Former Houston Texans defensive tackle Khalil Davis is stepping away from professional football after five years in and out of the NFL.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Khalil Davis has decided to retire. The 28-year-old lineman, most recently with the San Francisco 49ers, spent the majority of last season making an impact in Houston.
Khalil Davis joined the Texans in August 2023 following an impressive run with the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL. He made 29 total tackles and one sack in just nine games with the Stallions. That standout performance helped him earn another shot in the NFL.
Although Davis didn’t make Houston’s 53-man roster at first, the Texans quickly signed him to the practice squad. He didn’t stay there long. In late September, he was promoted to the active roster and played in 15 games, starting once. He finished the 2023 season with 32 total tackles, six tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, two passes defended, and one forced fumble.
Impressed by his performance, the Texans signed him to a one-year extension. Davis continued to contribute, appearing in nine games before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers at the trade deadline.
In San Francisco, Khalil Davis saw limited action. He played only 37 defensive snaps over three games and recorded three tackles.
A sixth-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, Davis had a bumpy start to his NFL career. But his resilience and success in the USFL helped him carve out his most productive year with the Texans.
His retirement comes shortly after another notable exit from Houston. Veteran defensive back Ronald Darby also retired earlier this offseason, shortly after signing with the Texans. The team quickly replaced him with Damon Arnette Jr.
