“It is extremely tough to deal with,” said Davis in the nearly two and a half minute Twitter video. “I wanted to be back and I wanted to be a part of a group that came and just right the wrongs that we had this season.”<doc-sep>Thomas Davis posted an emotional video on Twitter Wednesday night, sharing the news that the Carolina Panthers will not be bringing him back for the 2019 season. As you can imagine, many fans are in their feelings right now. The initial reactions on our Facebook page showed that most Carolina fans are devastated by the news. Even though we knew this day has been coming for a (very, very, very) long time, it doesn’t make it any easier to process for some. Davis is the heartbeat of this franchise and it won’t ever be the same without him. Fans and players alike seem to be mostly upset. Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner’s reaction isn’t even shareable here, but here’s some of what they’re saying on social media about No. 58. Damiere Byrd Steph Curry Thank you for representing the city the way you did bro! Nothing but respect for you and your family! Know you have a lot left in the tank so don’t stop. #KEEPPOUNDING — Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) January 10, 2019 Fans As a sports fan here in Charlotte, this one hurts. No matter where he plays, Thomas Davis will always be a Panther. A true man of class, made this community better, and played with toughness and courage on the field. Wishing him the best in the future! pic.twitter.com/DqObY7lOF1 — David Londereé (@kleenlaundry73) January 10, 2019 Sad to see my man Thomas Davis go, i wish he would retire instead of playing for a new team but i understand. He has a love for the game. The man played his heart out for this team. Panthers also did him well by sticking by him with his 3 ACL injuries, in the same knee! All love! — DriveAndStarvation (@Im_So_Active_) January 10, 2019 I love the panthers with everything in me but they are doing Thomas Davis so wrong after 14 years the man gave to the organization! I loved him and he was a great asset to the panthers. — Cala Bailey (@CalaBailey) January 10, 2019 Woke up this morning to this Thomas Davis news and I have to say it's very upsetting. — Scott (@Teh_Biscuit) January 10, 2019 If anybody has a Thomas Davis Jersey they’re looking to get rid of I’ll gladly take it off your hands — Triv (@t_triv) January 10, 2019 Am I happy about the Davis move? NOPE! But at the end of the day Business decisions are going to be made that I don’t like… All the best to Thomas Davis wherever he goes… #KEEPPOUNDING — Brady [ #PANTHERSTILIDIE! ] (@BradyMStewart12) January 10, 2019 Cried over Thomas Davis on the way to work today ☹️ please feel free to send condolences accordingly — Jennifer (@dixonjennifer10) January 10, 2019 I’m so disappointed with my football team. Thomas Davis is only asking for one more year to retire and we can’t even let him do that #Panthers 🏈 — Ant7⃣0⃣4⃣ (@Ant704) January 10, 2019 It’s going to be really tough not seeing Thomas Davis as a Panther or in Charlotte. He’s a huge member of this community. — Carlton (@C_MySide) January 10, 2019 Mentally preparing myself for the tears I'm going to shed the first time I see Thomas Davis in another team's colors — Brittany Bivins (@BrittanyHope) January 10, 2019 Fans (of other teams) Thomas Davis to the Steelers 👀 — Michael B’s Cousin (@BamJordan) January 10, 2019 Thomas Davis to the New York Giants anyone? — ThaRealestNygFan63 (@nyg_tha) January 10, 2019 Falcons could use a veteran linebacker like Thomas Davis. Bring him on a one year deal, low risk high reward. Would be nice to see a DGD in a Falcons uniform for once… — Raleigh Harbin (@raleighharbin) January 10, 2019 Redskins should pick up Thomas Davis — Dallas Cowboys|R.F.C🏴‍☠️ (@PushaReg) January 10, 2019 Thomas Davis being released by Carolina. Dude always was a beast against the Saints. Y’all think New Orleans should try to sign him? — Up Top, Porkchop (@diabsoule) January 10, 2019 As you can see, Davis has made quite an impression on fans around the league as well as an all-time legacy for himself in Carolina. Don’t be surprised if the organization builds a statue for him some day.<doc-sep>
In a Twitter video released Wednesday night, the veteran linebacker thanked the organization and his teammates for making the last 14 years in Charlotte memorable. Carolina Panther Thomas Davis released an emotional video on Twitter Wednesday night, saying he would be parting ways with the team. “I received information from the Carolina Panthers on Monday that they’re going to go in a different direction with the linebacker position," he said. The Panthers said Davis will become an unrestricted free agent on March 13 when the new league year starts. The veteran player thanked the organization and his teammates for making the last 14 years in Charlotte memorable. “I just want to thank the Carolina Panthers organization. I want to thank my teammates, man, you guys have been amazing for 14 very special years that I will always remember, I will always cherish," he said. Davis also had plenty to say about the fans who have cheered him on for well over a decade. “To Panther Nation, I can’t thank you guys enough for the love and support that you’ve shown me and my family over the years. We can’t thank you enough," he said. The 35-year-old got emotional as he talked about the time he and his family have spent in the Carolinas. “I’ve loved and cherished every moment that we’ve had in Carolina. Carolina’s gonna be home for me and my family…but I’m not retiring. I feel like I have way too much football left in me to walk away from the game right now. So I wanna keep playing; I’m going to keep playing. Hopefully, someone’s going to give me that opportunity. In January, Davis told NFL.com that 2018 would be the final year of his career. But after being suspended for the first four games, Davis reconsidered hanging up his cleats. Still, he never dreamed he'd take the field for another team. “Panther Nation, just know that in no way did I ever imagine putting on a different uniform, still to this day, don’t wanna do it. But I wanna play football.” Davis ended the video with the Panthers battle-cry.