Davis was starting to establish himself when injuries hit him in 2009, but setbacks during the mini-camp in 2010 and the second week in 2011 made his future in football uncertain. After all, no one had done what he was trying to do.
All he did was return as a more complete linebacker – a craftsman instead of a mere athlete, a man whose knowledge of the game grew to make up for everything he lost physically.
It is somewhat appropriate that all three Pro Bowl slots and both All-Pro honors came after the injuries – and they were not just votes of sympathy. External linebackers in 4-3 saves often lag behind in recognition, as they lack the flashy sack numbers of their 3-4 opponents, but what Davis did in his second act was impossible to ignore.
He returned. All the way back.
And on March 11th, he’ll be back again.