Ashtyn Davis Bio
Ashtyn Davis (born October 10, 1996) is an American professional football safety who currently plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He previously played for the New York Jets from 2020 to 2024 and the Miami Dolphins in 2025. Davis was selected by the Jets in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft after a standout college career at the University of California, Berkeley, where he also excelled as a hurdler on the track and field team. Known for his versatility and athleticism, Davis has built a reputation as a reliable defensive back with playmaking ability in the secondary.
Early Life and Background
Ashtyn Davis was born on October 10, 1996, in Santa Cruz, California. He attended Santa Cruz High School, where he played wide receiver and joined the school’s track and field team. Davis initially chose track at the suggestion of his quarterback, who believed it would help him become a faster football player. Despite having no prior experience in hurdles, Davis posted an impressive time in the 110-meter hurdles at a county meet late in his senior year, catching the attention of college track coaches.
Although Davis received light recruiting interest as a football player, his track performance opened doors with college programs. His athletic ability and speed made him an attractive prospect for both football and track and field at the collegiate level.
Path to Professional Football
Davis enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, where he initially joined the track and field team as a walk-on. His dedication to both sports set him apart from other athletes. During the spring of his freshman year, Davis tried out for the Golden Bears football team and earned a spot on the roster. He worked his way up the depth chart during his redshirt sophomore season and eventually secured the starting safety position alongside Jaylinn Hawkins.
As a redshirt junior, Davis delivered a standout season, recording 56 tackles, five passes broken up, and four interceptions on defense while also returning 24 kicks for 629 yards and a touchdown. His All-American performance earned him first-team All-Pac-12 Conference honors from the Associated Press, Athlon Sports, and Pro Football Focus. Entering his senior year, Davis was named to the Paul Hornung Award watchlist and rated as the third-best safety prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft by ESPN analyst Mel Kiper.
Ashtyn Davis Career
College Career at California (2015-2019)
During his senior season, Davis continued to demonstrate his value as a two-way player. He recorded 55 tackles, two interceptions, four passes defended, and two forced fumbles while also contributing on special teams. In his final collegiate game against UCLA, Davis made the last tackle of the game during a goal-line stand. Over his college career, he accumulated 166 tackles, seven interceptions, 12 passes defended, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries on defense, along with 70 kick returns for 1,604 yards and a touchdown.
On the track, Davis achieved significant success as a senior, winning the Pac-12 championship in the 110-meter hurdles and earning second-team All-American honors. He also earned NCAA Indoor All-American recognition in the 60-meter hurdles, showcasing his elite speed and athleticism that would translate to the professional level.
New York Jets (2020-2024)
The New York Jets selected Ashtyn Davis in the third round (68th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft. The Jets had acquired the pick by trading defensive lineman Leonard Williams to the New York Giants. Davis became the sixth safety drafted in 2020 and signed a four-year contract worth $4.91 million with a $1.36 million signing bonus on July 24, 2020. Despite missing the NFL Combine while recovering from groin surgery, Davis was projected as a second or third-round pick and ranked as high as third among safety prospects by several analysts.
Entering training camp as a backup safety behind Marcus Maye and Bradley McDougald, Davis earned his first career start in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers. He became the starting strong safety in Week 8 after McDougald underwent shoulder surgery. Davis showed promise early, recording a team-leading 12 combined tackles and recovering a fumble on the goal line during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers in November 2020. However, his rookie season ended prematurely when he was placed on injured reserve in December due to a foot injury. He finished his rookie year with 36 combined tackles and a fumble recovery in 10 games with five starts.
The 2021 season brought new opportunities for Davis. After missing the start of training camp while recovering from his injury, he was named the starting strong safety in Week 5 and held the role for the remainder of the season. Davis recorded his first career interception in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins, a pass thrown by Tua Tagovailoa to tight end Mike Gesicki. He finished the 2021 season with 62 combined tackles, three pass deflections, and two interceptions in 13 games with 10 starts.
After being limited to special teams work in 2022 due to injuries, Davis saw increased playing time in 2023, appearing in 17 games with five starts and recording three interceptions, eight pass deflections, and 37 combined tackles. His most memorable performance came in the 2024 season finale against the Miami Dolphins, where Davis made his first start of the season and recorded a career-high two interceptions along with nine combined tackles in a victory. He finished the 2024 season with 35 combined tackles and two interceptions in 15 games.
Miami Dolphins (2025)
On March 13, 2025, Davis signed with the Miami Dolphins on a one-year contract. He made 15 appearances with 12 starts for the Dolphins during the regular season, recording 65 combined tackles, four pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one interception.
San Francisco 49ers (2026-Present)
On June 2, 2026, Davis signed with the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year contract. He joined his third NFL franchise, bringing his experience and versatility to the 49ers secondary.
Ashtyn Davis Career Wins
Over his career, Davis has appeared in 67 NFL games with 32 starts, accumulating 240 total tackles, 9 interceptions, 19 pass deflections, 4 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries. In college, he earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2018 and second-team recognition in 2019.
Career Highlights
Davis’s standout performances include his first career interception against the Miami Dolphins in 2021, his game-sealing interception against the Cleveland Browns in 2022, and his two-interception performance in the 2024 season finale. His college career was highlighted by his Pac-12 championship in the 110-meter hurdles and his role as a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy.
Ashtyn Davis Family
Family Background
Davis grew up in Santa Cruz, California, where his athletic abilities first became apparent at Santa Cruz High School. His journey from a lightly recruited football player to an NFL draft pick demonstrates his dedication and work ethic. His early success in track and field, particularly in hurdles, contributed significantly to his development as an athletic football player.
Personal Life
Beyond football, Davis remains connected to his roots in Santa Cruz. His dual-sport background as both a football player and hurdler continues to influence his athletic approach, emphasizing speed, agility, and competitive drive.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transition for Davis as he joined the Miami Dolphins following four seasons with the New York Jets. He appeared in 15 games with 12 starts, demonstrating his reliability as a starting safety in the NFL. Davis recorded 65 combined tackles, four pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one interception during his sole season with Miami. His versatility allowed him to contribute both in the secondary and on special teams, showcasing the same two-way ability that characterized his college career. Davis’s move to the San Francisco 49ers in 2026 represents a new chapter in his professional career, bringing his experience from both the AFC East and his established track record as a playmaking safety.