Ex-NFL linebacker Thomas Davis’ estranged wife arrested on misdemeanor assault charge

Kelly Davis, the estranged wife of former NFL linebacker Thomas Davis, was arrested Sept. 3 after a warrant was issued accusing her of assaulting a woman she allegedly believed had a sexual relationship with the retired player, court records show.

According to a complaint filed by the alleged victim, chiropractor Laura Watterson, the incident occurred Aug. 26 at Watterson’s office in Charlotte, North Carolina. Watterson alleged that Kelly Davis struck her several times, knocking her glasses off and hitting her on both sides of the head as she tried to guide Davis out of the office. The complaint was reviewed by media outlets that obtained court documents. Kelly Davis is charged with one count of misdemeanor assault and battery.

A warrant for Kelly Davis’ arrest was issued Aug. 29, and she was taken into custody on Sept. 3, the records show. Her attorney, James J. Exum, called the allegations false and said his client’s innocence will be defended once a court date is set. "We believe completely in Kelly’s innocence and we look forward to challenging the false allegations once we have a court date," Exum said.

Kelly and Thomas Davis were married in March 2008 and separated in March 2024. In a February court filing in their divorce proceeding, Kelly Davis alleged that the former NFL player had engaged in "illicit sexual conduct with at least six women other than" her while they were together. The filing was part of the public record in their split.

The couple have two children. Their son, Thomas Davis Jr., has committed to play college football at Notre Dame, according to prior reports.

Thomas Davis, a first-round pick in the 2005 NFL draft, played 15 seasons in the league, including 13 with the Carolina Panthers. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and retired from professional football in 2021. He also spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers during his career.

The court documents and media reports that first reported the alleged assault did not include a statement from Thomas Davis. The criminal case against Kelly Davis is pending, and she is due to appear in court on the misdemeanor charge.