The Journey
A chronicle of discipline, community, and the foundation of a legacy.
2010
From Miami Gardens
Carlton Davis III’s football journey began long before the bright lights of the NFL. Raised in Miami Gardens, Florida, Carlton developed his love for the game on the same local fields that helped shape his discipline, competitiveness, and belief in what was possible. With the support of his family and community behind him, football became more than a sport—it became an opportunity to build a future while carrying the people and place that raised him along for the journey.
At Miami Norland Senior High School, Carlton began separating himself as one of South Florida’s standout defensive players. During his senior season, he recorded 50 tackles and six interceptions, earning Class 6A All-State and First-Team All-Dade County recognition. His performance also earned him an opportunity to compete in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, helping position him for the next stage of his career.
2015
Recognition beyond the field
As Carlton continued to develop at Miami Norland, his talent began earning recognition beyond his hometown. Named a Florida Class 6A All-State defensive back, he established himself as one of the state’s rising football prospects through his discipline, athleticism, and ability to perform at a high level against top competition.
But his progression was not defined by football alone. Carlton remained committed to his education, balancing the demands of becoming an elite student-athlete with the responsibility of preparing for life beyond the game. That combination of athletic excellence, academic focus, and personal discipline became an important foundation for the opportunities that would soon take him from Miami Gardens to the collegiate stage.
2018
The Next Level - Auburn University
After establishing himself as a Florida Class 6A All-State defensive back, Carlton’s talent, discipline, and commitment to excellence earned him the opportunity to compete on one of college football’s biggest stages.
At Auburn University, he quickly proved he was prepared for the next level. Carlton made an immediate impact as a true freshman, earning a starting role in the Tigers’ secondary and recognition on the SEC All-Freshman Team. Competing in the Southeastern Conference challenged him to elevate every part of his game—from preparation and technique to leadership and consistency.
Over three seasons at Auburn, Carlton developed from a highly recruited South Florida standout into one of the nation’s premier defensive backs. His combination of size, physicality, instincts, and competitive drive earned him All-SEC and All-America recognition, positioning him among the top cornerback prospects in college football.
Auburn became more than the next stop in his football career. It was where the foundation built in Miami Gardens and at Miami Norland evolved into the discipline, experience, and confidence required to pursue football at its highest level.
The next destination: the NFL.
2021
The Dream becomes a Reality
In 2018, years of preparation turned into a professional opportunity when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Carlton in the second round with the 63rd overall pick of the NFL Draft. He stepped into the league as a rookie and immediately became part of Tampa Bay’s starting secondary, beginning what would develop into a multi-year career as one of the league’s established cornerbacks.
BECOMING A CHAMPION
Carlton continued developing into a major presence in Tampa Bay’s defense. During the 2019 and 2020 seasons, he recorded 19 and 18 passes defended respectively, becoming the only NFL player during that stretch to record at least 18 in consecutive seasons.
Then came one of the defining moments of his career: Super Bowl LV. Carlton helped Tampa Bay capture the championship, achieving the dream that began years earlier on the fields of Miami Gardens and officially adding Super Bowl Champion to his journey.
Present
Investing in Youth
CONTINUING TO EVOLVE
After six seasons in Tampa Bay, Carlton entered another chapter of his career when he was traded to the Detroit Lions in 2024. The move represented more than a change of uniform—it was another opportunity to demonstrate his experience, versatility and ability to contribute to a championship-caliber defense. He started 13 games for Detroit, recording 54 tackles, 11 passes defended and two interceptions.
A NEW CHAPTER IN NEW ENGLAND
In March 2025, Carlton signed with the New England Patriots, bringing veteran experience and championship leadership to another historic NFL franchise. During his first season in New England, he started all 17 regular-season games and helped the Patriots make a deep postseason run. He also recorded the first two postseason interceptions of his career during New England’s divisional-round victory over Houston.
Today, Carlton continues his NFL career with New England, but his progression represents something much greater than statistics, awards or championships. His story is one of development, discipline, resilience and opportunity—from a young athlete growing up in Miami Gardens to becoming a collegiate standout, NFL draft pick, Super Bowl champion and veteran professional.
And through the Davis Family Foundation, the journey comes full circle: using everything football has afforded him to invest back into communities like the one that first invested in him.
The Village Behind the Journey
Sonia Mannings Tyehimba
Ismaaeel Davis
Isaiah Davis