Daniel Fells’ NFL career — and long-term health — could be in serious jeopardy as a result of a dangerous infection.
The New York Giants tight end has been battling methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a highly contagious staph infection he reportedly contracted earlier this month after he received a cortisone shot to treat an ankle injury.
Fells’ wife took the 32-year-old to the hospital on Oct. 2 with a 104-degree fever. There, doctors found Fells had contracted MRSA. He has had five surgeries since that time, a source told NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, and more surgeries are expected as doctors try to save Fells’ foot, which could be at risk if the infection spreads.
“With doctors hoping to avoid amputating his foot, the more urgent fear is that the MRSA has gotten into the bone and that it could travel into his blood,” Rapoport writes. “That could have the gravest of consequences.”
Fells — who has played for a total of seven NFL teams, including the New England Patriots in 2008 — was a late scratch for last Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills and since has been placed on injured reserve, ending his 2015 season.
The veteran tight end isn’t the first player to come into contact with the dangerous infection. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ facilities were treated in 2013 after kicker Lawrence Tynes and Carl Nicks both contracted MRSA during the preseason.
Thumbnail photo via Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports Images
