After 8 years, Linebacker Demario Davis says farewell to New Orleans to join the New York Jets, however the legacy that he leaves behind will live on both on and off the field.
Davis shared a lengthy, heartfelt message thanking the Saints, his teammates and fans via his official Facebook account while expressing his love for the city that will always be home:
“Eight years ago, my family and I arrived in New Orleans not fully knowing all that God had in store. What we found was far more than a place
to play football. We found a home.
New Orleans is a city with a soul. A city rich in culture, faith, resilience, pride, and love. It is a place that knows how to carry hardship with dignity and still make room for joy, hospitality, and community. From the moment my family and I arrived, this city embraced us as its own. That kind of love leaves a mark that lasts forever.
Over these past eight years, our family grew here in every way. Three of our six children were born here. Our roots deepened here. Our faith was strengthened here. Our vision for service expanded here. Through Devoted Dreamers, we were able to invest more deeply into the city, and in return, New Orleans poured deeply into us. What has been built here will always be meaningful to our family, and even as we change locker rooms, our work in this city will continue.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to Mrs. Benson. Thank you for leading with grace, kindness, and steady faith. The way you carry this organization reflects something deeper than business or football. There is a strength in your spirit, a humility in your leadership, and a consistency in your care that meant a great deal to my family and me. It has been an honor to play for an owner whose leadership is anchored in both conviction and compassion.
To the front office, thank you for bringing me to New Orleans and trusting me with the opportunity to represent this organization. Thank you for believing not only in what I could contribute on the field, but also in the leadership, heart, and service I wanted to bring to the building and to the city. I never took that responsibility lightly. It meant something to wear the Fleur-de-lis, and it meant something to be entrusted with helping carry the standard forward.
To my brothers in the locker room, much love always. We shared more than games. We shared a journey. The wins, the losses, the adversity, the growth, the laughter, the pain, and the brotherhood — all of it mattered. I’m grateful for every battle we fought together, and every relationship built along the way. Those bonds are real, and I’ll always carry them with me.
When I first came to New Orleans, we were the hottest team in the league. There was momentum, confidence, and championship belief. After that era, we spent four years in the valley. In those seasons, my mission became clear: help keep the ship steady through difficult times. Keep the standard high. Keep the faith strong. Keep pouring into the locker room, the defense, the culture, and the city. Leadership is not only about guiding people when things are rolling. Often, it is about steadiness when things get hard.
Now, as I look at this team, I believe it is headed in the right direction — and headed there quickly. There is strong leadership, real momentum, and a promising future ahead. For me, that means my mission here is complete. It is time for me to step off the ship and move into the next assignment.
As my family and I head back to the team that drafted us, we do so with full hearts and deep gratitude. But after the way New Orleans embraced us, loved us, and made us family, this city will always be home.
To every teammate, coach, staff member, supporter, friend, and loved one who walked with us over these eight years — thank you. We will miss you dearly. But our love for New Orleans remains, and our commitment to this city continues.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. WHO DAT “
Throughout my career, I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet and interview people from so many different industries and areas. However, getting to know and work with Demario and his family will always be something I cherish. His devotion to his family and faith was always inspiring and his dedication to the Saints and this city never wavered, even in some times of heavy uncertainty.
Demario Davis was the epitome of what you wanted from a member of the New Orleans Saints. He was a great leader and player with outstanding character who just understood and connected with the fans and community from day one.
We wish him and him family all the best as they begin their new journey.
