Thomas Davis promised Panthers owner a Super Bowl ring

Standout linebacker Thomas Davis has spent his entire 11-year career with the Carolina Panthers, so one can understand that the 33-year-old feels a certain loyalty to the franchise.

He also feels an obligation to repay team owner Jerry Richardson for his devotion.

"My goal and my whole reasoning for playing as hard as I can right now, and knowing that when you get to 12 years, time is starting to wind down - we want to put a Super Bowl ring on Mr. Richardson's finger," Davis said, according to Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review.

"That was a promise that I made to him, and I'm trying to stay true to that promise."

Davis revealed that he made the promise in "a private conversation a while back."

The Pro Bowler almost kept his word last season, as the Panthers rode a franchise-best 15-1 record to the Super Bowl but fell short against the Denver Broncos.

Carolina returns many of its starters in 2016 and should challenge for another NFC championship.

But if things don't pan out this season, Davis isn't considering it his last shot.

"I'm 33 years old, but I really don't feel that old," he said.

"I just try to make sure that when I go to practice every day, or we're in the game, I'm trying to keep up with what (his teammates) are doing and trying to see how I match up against some of those younger guys."