Akeem Davis-Gaither

Player Information

Akeem Brian Davis-Gaither is an American professional football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He has previously played in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football for the Appalachian State Mountaineers. Born on September 21, 1997, in Thomasville, North Carolina, Davis-Gaither had a standout high school career at Thomasville High School, where he excelled as both a linebacker and running back. He continued his football journey at Appalachian State University, earning accolades such as the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 before being drafted by the Bengals in 2020.
Full Name :
Akeem Brian Davis-Gaither
Birthdate :
21 September 1997
Birthplace :
Thomasville, North Carolina, USA
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
188
Weight (kg) :
108
Nationality :
United States
Education :
Thomasville High School (High School), Appalachian State (College)
Career Started :
2020
Awards :
Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year (Win Year 2019), First-team All-Sun Belt (Win Year 2019), Second-team All-Sun Belt (Win Year 2018)
Current Team :
Arizona Cardinals
Previous Teams :
Cincinnati Bengals (From 2020, To 2024)
Drafted :
2020
Drafted by :
Cincinnati Bengals
Active Status :
From - 2020, To - Present
Contract :
Contract Year 2025 to 2027, Salary 11000000 USD

Biography

Akeem Davis-Gaither is a notable NFL linebacker, drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He established himself with a strong collegiate career at Appalachian State, earning accolades for his defensive skill. His performances include 58 tackles in his final six games with the Bengals. In 2025, he signed a lucrative two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. This marks an important phase in his career, highlighting his ongoing impact in professional football. There’s much more to his path.

Early Life

Akeem Davis-Gaither is a talented athlete who illustrated his skills from a young age. During his time at Thomasville High School, he excelled in numerous sports and was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year.

His senior season was particularly impressive, as he recorded 115 tackles and 33 tackles for loss, emphasizing his exceptional defensive abilities. Moreover, he was identified as a promising player and earned an invitation to the prestigious 2014 Shrine Bowl 100 camp, highlighting his potential to stand out in the competitive world of athletics.

Despite being rated as a two-star prospect by recruiting services, Akeem’s resolve and performance on the field set him apart during his formative years.

Family Life

Akeem Davis-Gaither attributes much of his success as an NFL player to the steadfast support of his close-knit family.

His parents, who have always prioritized education and sportsmanship, instilled in him a strong work ethic that drives his commitment to both academics and athletics.

Throughout his path, Akeem has often highlighted the critical role that his family’s encouragement has played, shaping his character and resolve.

His family continues to be a source of inspiration, reminding him of the importance of community support as he pursues his professional football career.

Career

Akeem Davis-Gaithers was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft and has made a notable impact over his career, playing in 71 NFL games.

He showcased his potential as a starter during his last six games with the Bengals, recording 58 tackles. Recognized for his skill and leadership, he served as a team captain and was named the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year during his senior season at Appalachian State, where he amassed 258 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks throughout his college career.

In 2025, he signed a two-year contract worth up to $11 million with the Arizona Cardinals, marking a new chapter in his professional expedition.

Net Worth

Akeem Davis-Gaither’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, enhanced by his recent two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals valued at up to $11 million.

Throughout his NFL career, he has drawn notable salaries, including $1.1 million in his rookie season with the Cincinnati Bengals, $1.2 million in 2021, and $1.5 million in 2022.

His performance, highlighted by 58 tackles in the last six games of the 2021 season, demonstrates his potential for increased earnings through future contracts and endorsements.

The financial implications of Davis-Gaither’s contract with the Cardinals will largely depend on his performance and contributions to the team’s success, which can affect his market value in future negotiations.