Demario Davis honored as NFLPA Community MVP for Week 8

The NFLPA honored New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis in Week 8 as Community MVP for his selfless efforts to be a beacon of light and inspiration in the New Orleans community. Davis, his wife Tamela and Ashley Furniture helped New Orleans’ Covenant House by replacing every bed in the facility that houses “700 at-risk youth, ages 16 to 22, to overcome homelessness and human trafficking,” according to the NFLPA.

“New Orleans means so much to us and our family,” Demario told WWLTV. “We are so grateful to be able to give back and partner with Ashley to deliver 100 beds here at Covenant House. The work they are doing here is remarkable. It is truly God’s work.”

Davis’ partnership with Ashley Furniture and Covenant House was in celebration of his 100th consecutive start in the NFL. Local volunteers accompanied Demario and Tamela in assembling the beds for the youth.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Demario Davis has been named the Week 8 NFLPA Community MVP after upgrading every bed at Covenant House in New Orleans, a shelter that helps youth in need overcome homelessness and human trafficking.

“Thank you, NFLPA, for recognizing the work I have done, not only for Covenant House, but for the work that Devoted Dreamers has done every year since its inception in 2013,” the New Orleans Saints linebacker said. “My drive to give back comes from a place of deep empathy and love – knowing that through service we can stand in the gap for those who feel forgotten, heal broken minds and build a legacy of hope. ”

In recognition of his 100th consecutive start for the Saints, Davis and his wife, Tamela, participated in delivering and assembling 100 new beds for the shelter on Oct. 15. Covenant House New Orleans serves 700 youth annually, providing essential support and a safe place for homeless and at-risk youth 24/7. Davis’ work with Covenant House marks the the second time he is honored as NFLPA Community MVP, underscoring his continued commitment to philanthropic initiatives. In 2019, the All-Pro defender earned Community MVP honors when he turned an NFL uniform violation fine for wearing a “Man of God” headband (the fine was challenged and overturned) into a charity campaign that raised $250,000 for the emergency department. at St. Dominic Hospital in his home state of Mississippi.

“It’s not just about creating change today, but about inspiring a ripple effect of compassion that will open doors and create opportunities for generations to come,” Davis said. “This work is not just a mission; it is a calling to leave the world better than we found it.”

Since joining the league in 2012, the Saints linebacker and his wife have been committed to equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools to succeed mentally, physically and spiritually. Through them Dedicated Dreamers Foundation, the Davises have created a four-week summer program for high school students called the Devoted Dreamers Academy; PEARLS for Girls, which helps build character in young ladies ages 8 to 18; and the Devoted Dreamers 7-on-7 Elite Football Team, which has a 100% success rate in getting athletes admitted to an institution of higher education for both academics and sports.

In addition, they have hosted Dinner With the Davises, a free event for community members to enjoy a meal from Tamela’s The F Word Food Truck, along with music, line dancing and more. Demario has also used his platform to raise awareness about childhood cancer after his daughter was diagnosed with and ultimately defeated an eye cancer called retinoblastoma.

In recognition of Davis being named the NFLPA Community MVP for Week 8, the NFLPA will donate $10,000 to his foundation or charity of choice. In turn, Ward will participate in a special visit to a local school, children’s hospital or community center. Along with the other 2024-2025 Community MVPs, he is also eligible for the Alan Page Community Award, the NFLPA’s highest player honor and includes an additional $100,000 donation.

Now in its eleventh season, the Community MVP program is working with two supporting partners: Young Minds Inspired (YMI) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA). As the nation’s largest provider of free educational outreach programs, YMI will bring this year’s NFLPA Community MVPs to classrooms across the country through community service lesson plans inspired by the players’ philanthropic work. BBBSA also invites this season’s Community MVPs to partner with more than 230 agencies across the country, providing these athletes with more opportunities to connect with youth through its volunteer-supported mentoring network.