A year ago at this time, tight end Daniel Fells was preparing for his 10th season in the NFL and his second with the New York Giants. But by October, Fells’ career and his life would be drastically changed forever.

On October 2, 2015, Fells’ wife brought him to the emergency room where he was admitted with a 104-degree temperate. It was promptly determined that Fells had a staph infection in his ankle. More specifically, he had a MRSA infection.

The Giants immediately shut Fells down for the season, but his struggles were only just beginning. There were fears he would lose his entire foot due to the infection, but some 10 surgeries and bone shavings later, Fells was able to keep his foot and his life.

Fells had survived the brutal infection, but his NFL future remained very much in doubt. And late on Tuesday night, Fells made it official — his NFL career is over.

It’s a sad day to see such a fierce competitor forced to walk away from the game he loves due to a fluke infection, but as Fells alludes, there are plenty of reasons to smile as he embarks on his next journey in life.

Whatever it is he does and wherever it is he goes, there’s no doubt the support of Big Blue Nation will be right there behind him.

Once a Giant, always a Giant.