GLENDALE — Former Arizona Rattlers quarterback Nick Davila was inducted into the club’s Ring of Honor before Sunday’s season opener, much to the delight of Rattler fans.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Davila, the Rattler’s QB from 2010-2016, had his name unveiled on the Ring of Honor banner above the field before he delivered an emotional speech. He thanked his family, who were in attendance, for being his biggest fans since day one. Davila then took the time to talk about his dad, who passed away in 2014.
“He was my first coach and instilled that competitive mindset that I still walk around with today,” Davila said.
Davila mentioned the arena history he created as a Rattler, being the only team to appear in five straight ArenaBowls and winning three in a row.
Aug. 12, 2011; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Rattlers quarterback Nick Davila (10) throws during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Sharks during Arena Bowl XXIV at the U.S. Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Toward the end of his speech, Davila thanked his wife for being there for him during his career, mentioning the sacrifice and joy they both endured.
“I don’t know where I would be without you. I love you,” he said.
A few days before the ceremony, Rattlers coach Kevin Guy was asked by AZCentral’s Richard Obert about Davila’s contributions to the franchise and what it meant for him.
Aug. 11, 2011; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Rattlers quarterback Nick Davila (10) poses with the Arena Bowl trophy during media day for the AFL Arena Bowl at the U.S. Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
“Nick is the best I’ve ever coached,” Guy said. “He helped me get it started, back in 2010… we built this organization around Nick. He’s not only just a great football player, he’s a great human being.”
May 7, 2010; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Rattlers quarterback Nick Davila (10) throws during the first half against the Spokane Shock at the US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Davila’s best years as a Rattler came in 2011, with a 70.7% completion rate and 117 touchdowns, and 2014, with a 66.5% completion rate and 127 touchdowns. He was a two-time ArenaBowl MVP with the club.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
