Daniel Fells, who retired from the NFL in 2016, walked away from the game after needing eight surgeries in 2015 due to a MRSA infection. Now, five years later, Fells revealed that his MRSA infection nearly caused him to amputate his leg.

Near the end of the 2015 season, Fells was dealing with an ankle injury with the New York Giants. Then, after undergoing some tests, it was discovered that Fells actually had a staph infection.

Without wasting any time, the Giants placed the veteran tight end on season-ending injured reserve. While speaking to Bob Glauber of Newsday, Fells spoke about the details that took place when he was undergoing surgery on his infection.

“The doctors said if this doesn’t work, we’re going to have to either amputate and . . . hopefully it’s not too late,” Fells said via Bob Glauber of Newsday. “It was getting darker and darker.”

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Besides the infection, Fells began to develop a fever and his temperature was reaching concerning numbers. As a matter of fact, Fells said the temperature failed to read his exact temperature.

“It went from 102 to 103 to 104, and then the thermometer was showing error,” Fells said. “I was off the charts with my fever. They were trying to get the infection under control, day after day, trying different antibiotics known to kill MRSA.”

Luckily for Fells, he was able to avoid needing an amputation on his leg that was infected. At 36 years old, Fells continues to share his story to show how quickly things can turn in your life. Even though he didn't retire the way he wanted to, he can still say he had a successful eight-year career in the NFL.