Marshall, Mo. (January 5, 2016)- Former Missouri Valley College football player Tyler Davis has signed a contract with the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. Davis, a 2014 graduate of Missouri Valley, has spent the past two seasons playing professionally in Germany.

Davis signed with the Dolphins on Monday, and according to Davis, the contract is for three years. Davis comes to the NFL after spending two seasons playing professional football in the German Football League.

Davis began his professional career in 2014 with the Munich Cowboys, playing on offense, defense and special teams. That season, Davis finished with 28 receptions for 686 yards and seven touchdowns as a wide receiver. On defense, Davis finished with six interceptions. In the recently completed 2015 season, Davis played for the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes, and helped the team to the league’s postseason playoffs, advancing to the quarterfinals. On offense, Davis finished with 94 receptions for 1733 yards and 24 touchdowns. On defense, Davis came up with six interceptions and was named the German Football League Most Valuable Player.

“To be the first player to ever make the leap from the GFL to the NFL is a very humbling experience,” said Davis. “I have fans pulling for me all around the world and all the love and support I’m getting is surreal. I’ve only dreamt and talked about this moment my entire life and for it to finally be here is a blessing. Hard work pays off and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing day in and day out. All glory be to God.”

Davis is one of the most decorated student-athletes to play for the Viking football program. He was named to the Heart of America Athletic Conference all-conference first team all four years of his career and was named the Heart Defensive Player of the Year in 2012. Also in 2012, Davis became the fifth Viking to earn All-America status from the American Football Coaches’ Association. Davis helped lead the Vikings to conference championships and NAIA Football Championship Series appearances in 2011-2013. In his career, Davis accumulated 138 tackles, 19 interceptions, 21 pass break-ups, 5.5 tackles for loss and one touchdown on defense. On special teams Davis finished with 991 punt return yards, 1177 kickoff return yards and four touchdowns. In addition to his football accolades, Davis also earned All-American status in indoor track and field in the long jump event during the 2011-2012 season.

“I think this is awesome for Tyler and good for our school and program that he has this opportunity,” said Football Head Coach Paul Troth. “Tyler is one of the best players I have ever coached and we know he will represent himself and our school well.”

Davis will report to the Dolphins when offseason workouts begin in April.