DOM DAVIS
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN, KINGS MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL

The Thomas Davis Comeback Player of the Year Award is presented annually to a senior football player who has excelled on the gridiron while also overcoming medical adversity. The 2025 recipient is Dom Davis, an offensive lineman for Kings Mountain High School.

Dom’s story is one of grit and faith in the face of challenge. During his junior year, he suffered a complete ACL tear, a devastating injury that abruptly ended his season. For most athletes, an ACL tear means at least a full year away from competition—sometimes longer. But for Dom, the setback became an opportunity to redefine his limits. He made a commitment to himself, his family, and his team that he would come back stronger than ever, no matter how long or difficult the road to recovery would be.

Because of insurance restrictions, Dom spent four months in a pre-habilitation program before his surgery in January 2025. This rarely used approach focused on strengthening the muscles surrounding his knee, improving mobility, and preparing his body for the reconstructive procedure ahead. Dom saw this as preparation, he dedicated himself to every exercise, every stretch, and every session—laying the foundation for what would become a remarkable recovery.

The reconstructive surgery repaired the torn ligament with a graft and marked the beginning of months of hard work. The early stages of rehab were difficult—simple movements like bending his knee or standing for long periods caused pain and frustration. But Dom approached each day with purpose, attacking his therapy with the same mindset that made him a leader. Over time, his work evolved from basic mobility exercises to advanced strength training, agility work, and football-specific drills.

By the start of summer workouts, only five months after surgery, Dom had already surpassed expectations. His surgeon and athletic trainer cleared him for light, non-contact drills—a milestone that few reach so soon after ACL reconstruction. While most athletes need a full year to return to competitive play, Dom’s focus and consistency accelerated his recovery timeline dramatically. He never missed a therapy session and gave every workout his full effort, pushing through fatigue and discomfort with quiet determination.

In October 2025, just nine months after his surgery, Dom achieved what once seemed impossible—he was fully cleared for competition. His doctor officially approved his ACL clearance test, declaring him ready to return to play. His teammates and coaches celebrated the moment not just as the return of a valuable player, but as a testament to resilience and the power of perseverance.

Off the field, Dom’s story has become a symbol of strength within the Kings Mountain community. He often speaks to younger players about his experience, emphasizing patience, faith, and hard work as the keys to overcoming adversity. His comeback has not only redefined his own future but has also served as a reminder that recovery is just as much mental as it is physical.

The Charlotte Touchdown Club and Novant Health Sports Medicine are proud to present this year’s Thomas Davis Comeback Player of the Year Award to Kings Mountain High School’s Dom Davis.