Commanders cornerback Mike Davis might have a different last name on the back of his jersey in the not-so-distant future.
"I've been wanting to change it to my mom's name 'Martinez'…It's about honoring her," he said. "I feel like I just owe it to her to go by her last name in the states and not just in Mexico."
Davis is half Mexican through his mother, Ana Martinez, and this part of who he is harbors a lot of emotion and meaning. On and off the field, stepping into his Mexican identity has offered important experiences and given him connection and motivation.
Davis was born to a Mexican mother and African American father in Glendale, California. Having been raised by his mom, Mexican culture was a particularly influential force during his childhood. His mom Ana Martinez didn't have any family in the U.S., and so to keep a young Mike connected to his roots and the Martinez clan, she made a tradition out of visits to her family's home of Michoacán.
"We used to go to Mexico every year to visit my grandparents, and they used to teach me how to read and write in Spanish," Davis recalled. "That was a kind of a natural thing for her to take me back to the 'motherland,' and show me everything -- the culture, the food. It allowed me to be connected with my family."
Hanging out with his family, playing soccer and doing "just regular kid stuff" during those visits made a big impression on Davis, helping to foster a deep sense of appreciation for his Mexican heritage. Since that early age, the cornerback has embraced this part of his identity. Adding to the sense of pride he feels to be Mexican is the fact that Davis often isn't perceived as Latino or Hispanic at first glance. It's fun, he notes, to surprise people. And it comes with an important message.
"It shows that there's not 'one look' to the Mexican ethnicity…We always hear the saying, 'never judge a book by its cover.' I feel like people look at me and say, 'Oh he's just another Black person' but then when you get to know me you learn I'm also Mexican," he said. "I just feel like it throws people off and opens people minds like 'Oh wow, I shouldn't judge…maybe there's more to him.'"
From living in Los Angeles to Provo, Utah, to now the nation's capital, he has loved educating those around him in big and little ways. For example, everybody who has played with Davis in the pros knows his nickname "vato," Mexican slang that roughly translates to "dude" or "friend." He's even taken on an ambassador-type role, having traveled to Mexico to represent the Chargers and the NFL in the league's efforts to expand the game.
Davis is open about the inspiration he gleans from his culture and his community. He has tattoos of Mexican figures and symbols. His mom has long motivated him with her sacrifices and hard work. Whether its Emiliano Zapata (a tattoo on his right leg) or his mother Ana Martinez, Davis draws power from a story that many Mexicans share.
"I think that Mexicans are just super resilient. No matter what's thrown at us, we just keep coming back, keep coming back in order to succeed," he said. "I think, even in my career as an NFL player, that kind of resiliency has shown a lot, and I've proven to others what that resilience can do."
In March, Davis' journey welcomed a new stop: Washington, D.C. Joining the Commanders has meant moving away from a heart center of the Mexican-American community to living on the East Coast for the first time, and it's been…a transition.
"I haven't even really been thinking about the Mexican food here because it's just known that the best Mexican food is out west or down south," the cornerback said with a laugh.
Taco situation aside, Davis has embraced the newness of life as a Commander and what that means for engaging with the Latino community. For example, during Week 2 against the Giants which just so happened to be the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month, his gameday outfit featured merch from the Commanders' collaborative line with the Latino-owned, D.C. based Corinto Gallery.
"The bomber jacket is probably my favorite piece that they gave me," Davis said. "I'm proud to wear it. Anything that gets the word out."
Teams may change, Davis' passion and commitment to everything that comes with his Hispanic heritage does not. And, of course, while she may have to get on a plane more to see him, his mom Ana Martinez is still his number one fan in the stands on gamedays. She tells him the same thing every time before kickoff – a mantra for the game and for life.
"She always tells me échale ganas. It means give it everything, give it your all," he said.
Note: Mike Davis is open to hearing where he can find the best Mexican food in the DMV!
