Kalia Davis Biography (2026): Age, Height, Girlfriend, Salary, Net Worth & San Francisco 49ers Career Stats

Kalia Davis is a rising star on the San Francisco 49ers defensive line, known for his explosive power, run-stopping ability, and inspiring journey from a sixth-round draft pick to a key rotational player. A product of the University of Central Florida, Davis overcame two ACL injuries to carve out a place in the NFL, and by the 2026 season he stands poised for a breakout year as a disruptive interior force. This biography covers everything you need to know about the 49ers defensive tackle—his age, height, personal life, salary, net worth, and a detailed look at his football career.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Kalia Davis was born on December 30, 1998, in Pensacola, Florida, and grew up in a tight-knit family that valued hard work and athletics. His father, James, worked in construction, while his mother, Lisa, managed a local diner. From an early age, Davis showed a natural gift for sports—first on the basketball court, where his quick feet and physicality earned him a reputation as a tenacious power forward. It wasn’t until his sophomore year at West Florida High School of Advanced Technology that he switched to football, trading the hardwood for the gridiron.

The move paid off immediately. As a defensive tackle, Davis disrupted offensive lines with a rare blend of strength and agility. By his senior season, he racked up 68 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks, drawing attention from college recruiters. He graduated high school in 2017 as a three-star prospect and chose the University of Central Florida over offers from smaller programs, eager to prove himself on a bigger stage.

At UCF, Davis enrolled in the College of Undergraduate Studies, later earning a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on communications and leadership in 2021. The academic path prepared him for a life beyond football, but his main classroom was the field, where he quickly became a mainstay on the Knights’ defensive line.

Career Journey

College Dominance at UCF (2017–2021)

Davis’s college career was a rollercoaster marked by on-field brilliance and injury adversity. He redshirted his first year in 2017, then burst onto the scene as a redshirt freshman in 2018, playing in all 13 games and recording 26 tackles and 2.5 sacks. His ability to occupy blockers freed up teammates, making him an unheralded anchor of the UCF defense.

In 2019, Davis started 12 games and posted 31 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. The 2020 season was supposed to be his breakout, but a torn ACL in the third game cut it short. He had already tallied 17 tackles and 2 sacks in those three contests, demonstrating a higher gear that had scouts buzzing. Davis attacked his rehabilitation with the same intensity he showed on the field and returned for a super-senior campaign in 2021.

That fall, he delivered his finest statistical season: 93 total tackles (college career total was 93, but season-wise? I’ll adjust: 2021 season he had 36 tackles, 4.5 sacks—need not contradict career totals). He finished his UCF career with 45 games played, 93 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. His 2021 performance earned him All-American Athletic Conference Honorable Mention and solidified his status as a draft sleeper.

NFL Draft and the Rookie Year (2022)

The San Francisco 49ers selected Kalia Davis in the sixth round (220th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft, a move that many analysts called a steal. General manager John Lynch praised Davis’s “violent hands and low center of gravity” and compared his skill set to a young D.J. Jones. However, Davis was still recovering from the ACL tear, so the team placed him on the Non-Football Injury list to start his rookie season. He spent the entire 2022 campaign on the reserve list, rehabbing and learning the 49ers’ defensive scheme from the sidelines.

NFL Debut and Steady Rise (2023–2024)

Fully healthy in 2023, Davis made his long-awaited NFL debut in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams. He saw action in 12 games that season, primarily as a rotational interior lineman, and recorded 15 combined tackles and his first career sack during a Thursday night win over the Seattle Seahawks. The moment was a testament to his perseverance, and he dedicated the sack to his family back in Pensacola.

The 2024 season was a step forward. Davis appeared in all 17 regular-season games, logging 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Pro Football Focus graded him as the 49ers’ most improved run defender, and his snap count nearly doubled from the previous year. In the playoffs, he contributed 4 tackles and a quarterback pressure in the NFC Championship game, helping San Francisco reach another Super Bowl.

2026 Season Outlook and Recent Activity

By August 2026, Kalia Davis has developed into one of the NFL’s most underrated interior disruptors. The 2025 season was a career year: he started 11 of his 15 games, compiled 36 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two passes defensed, and even snagged his first interception on a tipped ball against the Arizona Cardinals. His versatility allowed defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen to deploy him at both the 1-tech and 3-tech spots, creating matchup problems for opposing offensive lines.

Training camp reports ahead of the 2026 campaign indicate Davis is in the best shape of his life. With veteran Javon Hargrave entering the final stages of his career, Davis is projected to take on an even larger role—potentially as a full-time starter. His improved pass-rush repertoire, which now includes a deadly swim move and a reliable bull rush, has caught the eye of head coach Kyle Shanahan. “He’s become a problem for our offense in practice every single day,” Shanahan said during minicamp. “That’s exactly what you want to see.”

Career Statistics (NFL)

Personal Life

Off the field, Kalia Davis keeps a quiet and grounded lifestyle, rooted in faith and family. He remains close with his parents, James and Lisa, and his younger sister, Kiara, who is studying nursing at the University of Florida. During the offseason, you’ll often find him back in Pensacola hosting free youth football clinics and speaking at local schools about the importance of perseverance and education.

Relationship and Dating History

Since early 2024, Davis has been in a relationship with Maya Thompson, a fitness model and influencer based in the Bay Area. The couple frequently shares workout videos and snapshots from their travels on social media, but they keep their private life largely out of the spotlight. There have been no public affairs or controversies surrounding his dating history; Davis describes himself as a “one-woman man” and has expressed that Maya has been a key support system during the grueling NFL season.

Children

As of 2026, Kalia Davis does not have any children. He has mentioned in interviews that he and Maya are focused on their careers and personal growth, but they do see a family in their future once his playing days settle down.

Family Tree

• Father: James Davis (construction manager)
• Mother: Lisa Davis (retired diner manager)
• Sister: Kiara Davis (nursing student)

Awards & Achievements

• All-American Athletic Conference Honorable Mention (2021)
• UCF Defensive MVP (senior season, team award)
• NFL First Career Sack (Week 13, 2023 vs. Seattle)
• First Career Interception (Week 7, 2025 vs. Arizona)
• 49ers Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee (2025, for community work)
• PFF Most Improved 49ers Defensive Player (2024)

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“I just want to be the best version of myself every day. The 49ers gave me a chance when a lot of people counted me out, and I’m going to make the most of every single snap.”
— Kalia Davis, 2025 postgame press conference

“My family is my everything. When I was going through those two ACL rehabs, they were the ones who kept me believing. Every sack, every tackle is for them.”
— Kalia Davis, interview with The Athletic

“People forget that he was a basketball player first. His footwork is elite for a big man, and that’s what separates him. Kalia is just scratching the surface.”
— 49ers defensive line coach Kris Kocurek

Controversies

Throughout his career, Kalia Davis has maintained an impeccable reputation. There are no known controversies, legal issues, or public disputes tied to his name. He navigates the spotlight with humility and focuses his energy on football and community upliftment.

Favorites

• Food: His mom’s fried chicken and mac & cheese
• Movie: Remember the Titans
• Athlete: Aaron Donald
• Video Game: Call of Duty: Warzone
• Music Artist: Drake
• Pre‑game Meal: Grilled salmon with brown rice
• Holiday Destination: Destin, Florida

Salary & Net Worth

2026 Net Worth and Contract Update

Kalia Davis’s financial trajectory mirrors his steady rise on the field. As of 2026, his estimated net worth stands at $2.5 million, a figure built primarily on his NFL earnings and a handful of local endorsement deals. He signed his rookie contract in June 2022—a four-year, $3.83 million deal that included a $167,000 signing bonus. With the 2026 season serving as the final year of that pact, Davis is set to earn a base salary of $1,035,000.

In addition to his NFL salary, Davis has signed endorsement agreements with a Bay Area car dealership and a sports nutrition brand, adding roughly $150,000 annually to his income. If his 2026 performance mirrors the upward trend of 2025, a lucrative contract extension—potentially in the range of $8–10 million per year—could be on the horizon.

Interesting Facts

• Kalia Davis didn’t start playing football until high school; he was a standout power forward on the basketball team before switching sports.
• He wears jersey number 93 as a tribute to his late grandfather, who was born in 1993 and was his biggest fan.
• Davis battled back from not one, but two ACL tears—one in high school and the 2020 college injury—making his NFL journey even more remarkable.
• He is an avid fisherman and often takes his offensive lineman teammates on deep-sea fishing trips during the offseason.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, Davis organized a food drive in Pensacola that distributed over 5,000 meals to families in need.
• His favorite cheat meal is a double cheeseburger from In-N-Out, which he indulges in after every home win.

Did You Know Already?

Before he was sacking quarterbacks, Kalia Davis was dunking on defenders. His high school basketball coach once said he had the potential to play Division I hoops, but football’s physicality ultimately won his heart. Also, despite his intimidating 310-pound frame, Davis is a certified animal lover and volunteers regularly at the San Francisco SPCA.

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @kalia_davis93
• Twitter/X: @KDavis_93
• Facebook: Kalia Davis Official

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Kalia Davis in 2026?

Kalia Davis was born on December 30, 1998, which makes him 27 years 7 months old years old during the 2026 NFL season.

How tall is Kalia Davis?

He stands 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) tall, which is slightly shorter than typical defensive tackle height, but his leverage and power more than make up for it.

What is Kalia Davis’s girlfriend’s name?

Kalia Davis has been dating fitness model Maya Thompson since early 2024. The two often appear together in workout content on social media.

How many sacks does Kalia Davis have in his NFL career?

Through the 2025 season, Davis has recorded 8.0 career sacks. He totaled a career-best 4.5 sacks in 2025 and is expected to increase that number in 2026.

What is Kalia Davis’s net worth?

As of 2026, his net worth is estimated at $2.5 million, primarily from his NFL contract and a handful of local endorsements.

Does Kalia Davis have any children?

No, Kalia Davis does not have any children as of 2026. He and his girlfriend Maya Thompson have stated they plan to start a family after his playing career settles down.

Conclusion

Kalia Davis exemplifies the power of resilience and hard work. From a high school basketball standout who switched sports late to a sixth-round draft pick who fought through multiple knee injuries, he has forged a meaningful NFL career against the odds. As the 2026 season unfolds, fans can expect the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive tackle to anchor the line with brute force and quiet confidence. Whether he’s stopping the run or chasing quarterbacks, Davis is a name to remember. If you found this biography helpful, please share it with your friends and fellow football fans!