Richard Obert

azcentral sports

Nick Davila, starting his fifth season as the starting quarterback of the Rattlers, was asked during media day if he was going to have to switch hands to get more rings.

Davila, 28, shook off the question and spoke about never being content in this quick-hitting game that can leave egos shattered.

His accomplishments speak volumes:

• He has thrown at least 100 touchdown passes in each of his first four seasons in the league.

• He has led the Rattlers to three consecutive ArenaBowls with victories in the past two.

• He was the Arena Football League Most Valuable Player in 2011 when the Rattlers won a franchise-record 18 games, and was the ArenaBowl MVP in 2012.

• He has completed 67.5 percent of his career passes for 20,116 yards, 442 touchdowns, 58 interceptions and has a passer rating of 123.29.

Never satisfied, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Davila hired a personal trainer in the off-season and got into the best shape of his career.

He answered some questions during media day:

Question: How different is this team from last year?

Answer: We're a lot different. Every year is not the same. We've got some new players. We'll see Saturday.

Q: How heavy has your hand gotten with another championship ring on it?

A: That's what it's about. You play this game to win. You play this game for championships. We were fortunate to win back-to-back championships. You've got to take it one step at a time."

Q: How do you stay grounded?

A: Just staying focused with the process of becoming great. Every day getting better, every day coming together as a team and trying to win every game you can. There will be ups and downs like every football team has. But the ultimate goal is to get momentum going into the playoffs. A lot of teams want to take us down. We have to match their intensity and keep playing hard.

Q: What is it in your mind that you feel you still need to prove?

A: It's just having that chip on your shoulder. Maybe somebody doesn't think you're that good. Maybe there are players who don't think you're the best quarterback in the league. Every day I wake up and try to be the best I can be. Win the day. That's why I got a trainer. I wanted to be in more shape going into this season, so I can be the best quarterback I possibly can be for this organization.