Titus Davis, CMU's all-time leading receiver, dead at 27
Senior wide receiver Titus Davis points to the sky before the start of the third quarter, Satuday, Oct. 5, 2013 at Huskie Stadium.
Chippewa football's all-time leading receiver and Wheaton, Illinois native Titus Davis died Nov. 11 at the age of 27.
Davis suffered from renal medullary carcinoma, a rare form of kidney cancer. RMC is fast-acting and difficult to treat, and most of those affected have the sickle-cell trait.
Davis’ family organized a GoFundMe page to help pay for his treatment expenses on July 13.
While at CMU, from 2011-2014, Davis was a four-time All-Mid-American Conference selection and two-time Herb Deromedi team MVP. His 3,700 receiving yards are the most in school history, while his 37 receiving touchdowns rank fourth.
Davis was the first player in Football Bowl Subdivision history to have eight or more receiving touchdowns in each of his four seasons.
In one of the more memorable games in CMU history, Davis scored four touchdowns in the inaugural Bahamas Bowl. His fourth TD was the cap to a wild Hail Mary with three laterals. He sprinted to the pylon from 15 yards out to score with no time remaining.
Dan Enos, who was the head coach during Davis' time at CMU, said he knew Davis would be special to the program when the coach started recruiting the wide receiver.
“I’m heartbroken by the loss of Titus, who was first and foremost an outstanding person,” Enos said. “On the field, he was an outstanding competitor. He was a great friend and teammate to many. ... He was a joy to coach and be around. My deepest sympathies are extended to his family during this difficult time.”
After graduating, Davis signed with the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent. He also spent time with the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears and had two stints with the New York Jets.
Davis was a father of two. His brother, Corey, is a wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans.
"He was so loved and had the brightest smile ever (until) the end," said Davis' aunt, Kafayat Timson. "He kept us all laughing and strong."
