Fiesta Bowl 2013: Adam Davis overcomes injuries to star for Wildcats

After almost giving up the game of football due to chronic back issues, Kansas State defensive end Adam Davis is having a memorable senior year as he gets ready for the 2013 Fiesta Bowl.

In an interview with Kellis Robinett of the Wichita Eagle, Davis was almost rendered immobile due to a slipped nerve and a pinched nerve in his back after coming to Kansas State in 2010 from Hutchinson CC. The injury kept Davis from doing even the most simplest of tasks and made even sleeping and standing difficult.

Surgery was scheduled for Davis to repair his back, but a pain free life wasn't guaranteed and stepping on a football field again was considered a longshot. Davis seriously considered about quitting football due to the pain, telling Robinett,

"I felt like, because of the pain I was in, I should quit," Davis said. "I just hated it. It was going down my leg every day so I couldn't sleep. I couldn't stand straight up. I was bent over all day, every day. It was just miserable. I just felt like I didn't want to play no more."

But before he did, Davis had a conversation with his mother and decided to give football another chance. Davis had an up and down campaign during his junior year while reacclimating himself to the game, but really turned it on his senior year became one of Kansas State's top performers. Davis recorded 53 tackles, 7 and a half sacks and forced four fumbles for the Wildcats this year, and enjoyed his time on the field, taking full advantage of his second chance.

"To me, making plays is just about having fun. I'm goofy on the field. It's serious out there, but I have fun with my teammates. They know if I'm acting goofy it's going to be a good game. That's the way I play, just happy on the field."