New York Giants running back David Wilson is a model patient.

The 22-year-old received a hit in an October 6th home game against the Philadelphia Eagles that resulted in a herniated disc. On January 16th, Wilson underwent surgery to fuse together the vertebrae surrounding the disc to relieve the pressure.

Most herniated disks result in pain at the site, as well as numbness or tingling in the arm or hands. Wilson says he experienced none of these symptoms.

“It’s hard to realize the severity when you don’t feel any pain, no symptoms,” he said, going on to state that the only actual discomfort he felt during the whole process was from the surgical incision on the front of his neck.

Wilson still hasn’t been cleared for OTAs (organized team activities) this spring. His doctors are waiting on a scheduled MRI to make sure the vertebrae have been fused correctly and have healed properly.

“So right now I feel fine,” says Wilson. “Before I felt fine, and right now we’re just waiting for the picture we need.”

Cervical spine disc herniation usually affects adults in their 30s and 40s, and generally is a result of decades of accumulated stress and pressure, rather than a blindside hit from a Philadelphia Eagle.

But Wilson — young, preternaturally fit, and boundlessly enthusiastic — is adhering to the restricted activity regimen prescribed by his doctors to ensure proper healing, and waiting patiently for the MRI photograph.

“I’m a man of faith,” Wilson asserts, “so, no matter what happens in front of me, with my faith I’m going to make it right.”