From Bullets in West LA to Freedom in the NFL: Rashied Davis’ Untold Journey of Loss, Hope, and That Life-Changing Bank Account

Former Chicago Bear Rashied Davis recently sat down on the Untold Chicago Stories show and delivered one of the most raw, emotional, and real accounts of his life that Bears fans—and anyone who’s ever faced real adversity—have ever heard. Growing up in the tough streets of West Los Angeles (often tied to the broader South Central area in stories of his era), Rashied’s childhood was defined by constant danger, violence, and loss. His father was tragically murdered when he was just eight years old, shot at a fast-food restaurant in a senseless act of gang-related violence. Raised as one of nine children by his mother and aunt, Rashied navigated a world filled with gang activity—Crypts vs. Bloods rivalries, drugs everywhere, and the kind of negativity that swallowed up so many around him.

He recalls dodging bullets in his own home, idolizing gang members early on because they seemed to have the power and possessions he thought represented success. “Boys in the Hood” wasn’t just a movie to him; it mirrored the gang-ridden, drug-infested reality he lived. School wasn’t easy either—he was bused over an hour each way to Kennedy High in the San Fernando Valley because his mom insisted on a better education and environment, away from the neighborhood’s pull. At first, he resisted, but that decision became a lifeline.

Football didn’t come until later. Too small in high school (around 5 feet and 90 pounds early on), he didn’t play much until college at San Jose State. There, he found his escape and purpose. Football became the outlet that channeled his energy and talent, while education opened doors he never imagined. After college, he grinded through the Arena Football League for years before breaking into the NFL with the Chicago Bears in 2005—first as a cornerback, then converting to wide receiver. He earned his spot through sheer determination, becoming a reliable weapon (especially on third downs) and even playing in the Super Bowl XLIII run.

But the emotional depth Rashied brought went beyond the gridiron highlights. He shared the untold turning point that symbolized his shift to true independence: opening his first bank account. Coming from a background where money was scarce and survival was day-to-day, that simple act—learning to manage finances, deposit checks, and build security—was life-changing. It marked financial independence, a stark contrast to the instability of his youth. He reflected on how many athletes struggle post-career without that foundation, but for him, it was the foundation of freedom after escaping the streets.

Rashied’s story isn’t just about making it to the NFL; it’s about resilience, faith, and hope breaking through darkness. He credits God for giving him that spark of hope when gang life seemed like the only path. Today, he gives back to communities by drawing on his experiences to mentor and inspire. His Untold Chicago Stories appearance captures the grind, the sacrifices, and the emotional insight fans rarely see—proving that adversity doesn’t define you; how you rise above it does.

Rashied’s commitment to giving back didn’t stop with his NFL career. In 2010, he and his wife, Dianna, founded Saturday Place, a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides free Saturday tutoring, literacy, character education, and field trips for 3rd and 4th-graders struggling academically in under-resourced public schools. Born from his own West LA struggles and the hope that pulled him out, Saturday Place embodies his mission: helping kids overcome obstacles through inspiration, preparation, and discipline—just as he did to reach Soldier Field and beyond.

“Our mission statement is to teach children how to overcome obstacles to success through inspiration, preparation and discipline.” — Rashied Davis

This is the kind of powerful, heartfelt tale that reminds us why sports stories matter: they show real people overcoming impossible odds. Rashied Davis didn’t just play for the Bears—he lived a journey that inspires everyone still fighting their own battles.

Watch the full Untold Chicago episode to hear Shied’s raw, honest stories about earning respect inside the locker room, the pressure of performing at Soldier Field, and what it truly means to wear the Bears uniform.