Senior Brad Davis (73) switched jerseys in honor of his father, Bruce, who played football for the Blue Jays three decades earlier.

Senior Switches Jerseys as a Tribute to His Father, Jesuit Alumnus Bruce Davis ’80

It’s a highlight the Davis Family – as well as the players and parents who are all part of the 2013 Jesuit High School football team – will talk about well beyond the current season.

Just before the start of Jesuit’s Homecoming game against Archbishop Rummel on Friday, Oct. 25, senior defensive lineman Brad Davis (90), with permission from head coach Wayde Keiser, swapped jerseys with junior teammate Henry Creel (73). Against Rummel, Creel wore #90 and Brad Davis donned #73, which happens to be the same number that his father, Bruce Davis, wore when he played for the Blue Jays more than three decades earlier.

“I thought it would be a great way to thank my father and my family for their support, and to honor the connection that Jesuit football provides,” said the younger Davis.

“I didn’t find out about it until warm-ups and didn’t give it a whole lot of thought until after the game,” said Coach Keiser ’78. “I’m sure it was a big deal for Bruce because I know it would have been for me if that was one of my kids.”

Most fans didn’t even notice. But Brad’s mom and dad sure did.

“It took us a series or two to figure out that Brad was actually wearing Bruce’s number,” said Sharon Davis, who, as a member of the Jayettes in high school, cheered for Bruce. “It brought tears to my eyes.”

The jersey switch was a salute to Bruce and it brought back some fond Blue Jay gridiron memories. “I got a lump in my throat,” the elder Davis admitted. “I’m fortunate to have a son who plays Jesuit football, and Sharon and I are even luckier to have a son who thinks about others.”

Bruce Davis (73), a 1980 alumnus, was a defensive lineman for Jesuit, like his son Brad is today.

There wasn’t a whole lot of discussion about the jersey audible immediately following the game. After jumping out to a 14-0 halftime lead, the Blue Jays ultimately fell to the defending state champs in overtime. In this case anyway, words weren’t necessary.

Undoubtedly the jersey swap will leave a lasting mark on father, mother, son, players. parents, and coaches — unlike a bruise that disappears several days after a hard-fought game.

Keiser and Bruce Davis played together on the 1976 and 1977 Blue Jay football teams and both signed college scholarships.

Keiser played at St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kansas. Davis accepted a scholarship to play for Paul “Bear” Bryant at the University of Alabama, but his collegiate football career was cut short by a back injury.

Although Brad’s talent and leadership on the field has attracted interest from a handful of college recruiters, he has no plans to continue playing football at the next level.

However, Brad intends to follow in the professional career footsteps of his father, who is an engineer. The younger Davis plans to stake his own claim one day in the diverse field of engineering.

Yet another tribute from son to the original #73.

Like father, like son: Bruce Davis ’80 with his son Brad ’14. (Photo courtesy of Frank Komitsky, Jr., Brad’s grandfather.)