When we last reported on Charlie Davies back in April, it was to celebrate his remarkable recovery from a 2009 car accident that could’ve claimed his life. The subject of an ESPN documentary entitled “The Unrelenting Charlie Davies”, the New England Revolution forward was looking forward to a successful 2016 MLS season.
However, the latest setback in Davies’ unfortunate career was announced three days ago: the former United States international had been diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma cancer — a type of cancer that develops in the bones and connective tissue.
Davies had been diagnosed a few months back but kept the news out of the public eye. In April, he pulled his groin in an MLS match before going to the doctor for an MRI. Davies was then sent to a specialist in Boston but, before he had even been diagnosed, the 30-year-old was certain of the worst.
It’s been two and a half months since it became clear he had cancer, but Davies returned to the field with the New England Revolution on Sunday, coming on as a substitute in the 75th minute to a standing ovation.
Best news of the night. Charlie Davies is back!!!! pic.twitter.com/ELQVudp982
— Total MLS (@TotalMLS) August 1, 2016
For Davies, his diagnosis and subsequent battle with and remission of cancer is just another chapter in his inspiring tale.
A revealing interview with FOX Soccer’s Stu Holden showed just how strong Davies is mentally. Davies became a father in March after his twins were born prematurely, and he greeted his cancer diagnosis with a lighthearted: “This has to be the last test, right? How many tests does one have to endure?”
The cancer operation also resulted in the removal of one testicle.
“You hear that and you’re thinking: that’s your manhood. At least half of it,” joked Davies. “Am I going to look deformed?…I guess I’ll just be one-nut Chuck for the rest of my life.”
Asked what his plans for the future were, Davies replied, “Getting back on the field and banging in goals. Get back on the national team. That’s never been a secret. If I continue to do what I’ve done, that chance is going to come.”
.@NERevolution striker @CharlieDavies9 beats cancer and is ready to take his life back and return to the field. https://t.co/Soq2kOBc1V
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 31, 2016
Could you imagine a greater ending to one of football's most dramatic personal stories?
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