LB Thomas Davis thankful to Carolina Panthers for letting him return for another season - NFL News
Carolina Panthers linebacker, Thomas Davis, is lucky to be still playing in the National Football League (NFL) after suffering recurring tears in his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).
The linebacker has suffered three times from ACL injuries and many players seeing the vulnerability of their leg to another injury would probably retire from the game but not Davis.
Davis feels ready for another season and the 29-year-old is looking to have a great year with the Panthers in 2012-13 and help them reach a playoff spot.
Speaking with the Associated Press on Tuesday, Davis was thankful to the Panthers to still keep him on the roster when many franchises would have let a player with Davis’ injury record go.
“I'm just very appreciative of this team to give me the opportunity to come back three times,"
Adding further he said:
"I think that is part of the problem with a lot of guys that had torn their knees up three times -- they were never given that opportunity. So I'm extremely appreciative to the Panthers."
The Panthers have been protective of Davis during the offseason with the linebacker not involved in the team’s drills during the Panthers mandatory minicamp.
Davis also has undergone several scans on his knee before being given a clean bill of health by experts to continue his career.
The player is now looking forward to training camp where he will get the chance to take part in drills and show that he still has got the strength to play in the NFL.
"Everything we're doing right now is designed to make me better, so I'm looking forward to getting out there for training camp,"
He continued:
"There won't be no holding back then. I want to make sure I'm doing everything in my power to make sure I'm as healthy as possible and ready to go."
However, Carolina have restructured Davis’ contract to protect them from suffering monetary losses should the linebacker’s ligament give in once again.
Davis agreed to let go of his $ 8 million bonus and will now earn just $ 700,000 in salary.
The linebacker still wants to play because he loves the game and he will be up for the challenge posed by young rookie Luke Kuechly who will compete with him during training camp for the starting spot.
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