BUFFALO, N.Y. — Ray Davis’ journey through the foster care system in San Francisco, isn’t something he’s always been open about.
“For almost 22 years, I was quiet about my story,” Davis said. “My story came out in the middle of a game. An announcer had said it. I remember sitting there and everyone sending it to me. Everyone asking me am I upset, am I mad. I remember just talking with my dad and sister and being like, nah. I finally know my purpose in life.”
For the Bills rookie running back, that purpose is advocating for the current generation of foster kids, a purpose that’s come with him to Western New York.
Despite being in Buffalo for less than a month, Davis is already looking to make an impact, teaming up with local organization Fostering Greatness.
“This is the biggest thing that I wanted to do, and like I said, when I got drafted, the first thing I saw on Twitter when I saw Fostering Greatness reached out and told my story, I immediately texted my agent and told him I want to be part of this. This was something big for me,” Davis said.
Davis spoke with local foster kids at Thursday’s Luggage for Love event, which collected clothes, toiletries, and suitcases, items the 24-year-old knows can make a big difference.
“When I was a kid going through my situation, I had trash bags. I had duffel bags. I just had clothes in my hand. I think most people don’t understand the transitioning going from a shelter and moving it to someone’s home, having a suitcase and luggage is very important. That’s a sense of feeling, being at home,” Davis said.
As Davis continues to build his home here in Buffalo, he says this is just the first step in using his platform to benefit others.
“I want to be part of this community Sunday through Sunday," he said. "I want to be the prototypical football player who just plays football and doesn’t do much with his platform. I want to be able to inspire the youth. Knowing the voice that I have and just be an advocate for the kids who don’t have voices.”