How a fourth-round draft pick set an NFL playoff record
In short: In the high-stakes arena of professional football, few players have ever achieved such singular dominance in a single postseason game. Known as 'Big-Game Gabe,' Gabriel Davis transformed from a late-round selection into a historical anomaly during one of the most explosive offensive displays in NFL history.
Gabriel Davis's ascent began in Florida, where he earned All-State honors at Seminole High School before starring for the UCF Knights. His collegiate career saw steady progression, from 27 receptions as a freshman in 2017 to a standout junior season in 2019, where he amassed 1,241 yards. This momentum carried him into the 2020 NFL Draft, where the Buffalo Bills selected him in the fourth round with the 128th overall pick. During his senior year of high school, he recorded 69 receptions and 17 touchdowns. His sophomore year at UCF also saw him start 12 of 13 games.
While his rookie season featured several early touchdowns from quarterback Josh Allen, Davis truly etched his name into the record books during the 2021 Divisional Round against the Kansas City Chiefs. In a thrilling 42–36 overtime loss, Davis recorded eight catches for 201 yards and an NFL-record four receiving touchdowns. This feat made him only the ninth player in league history to surpass 200 receiving yards in a single playoff game. His rookie campaign included seven receiving touchdowns and a 26-yard score against the Bills' opponents in week four. He also notably caught a 20-yard touchdown from teammate Cole Beasley during a victory over the Chargers.
Despite his ability to deliver in clutch moments, Davis's career has been marked by significant physical challenges. After signing a lucrative three-year, $39 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in March 2024, a torn meniscus and a torn PCL sidelined him for most of the season. His journey eventually led him back to Buffalo, though his return was complicated by further injury; a hit during a playoff game against the Jaguars resulted in a torn ACL, revealed in January 2026. The Jaguars released him in May 2025, following the emergence of rookie Brian Thomas Jr. and the draft of Travis Hunter. After returning to Buffalo's practice squad, he was eventually signed to the active roster in late November.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Gabe Davis
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