Its been a short, but long ride for Giant’s RB David Wilson. From returning punts then being bumped up to starting running back in 2013, Wilson saw plenty of bumps in the road. After proving himself to a starting role last season, Wilson fumbled twice in the Giants opener against the rival Cowboys. He was benched until he could fix his technique and was slowly being worked back into the offense until he hurt his neck in week 5 versus Philadelphia. He wouldn’t play the rest of the season.
Coming into training camp David seemed to be recovering well. So well that he was able to make it back for the start of camp. The optimism of number 22 was back, he was able to continue living his dream. Then during practice early last week Wilson seemed shaken up with what everyone assumed was another neck injury and the whole camp went dead silent. Wilson suffered a neck stinger and has been place on the Injured Reserve. The Giants have advised him to retire from the game all together as continuing to play could not only end his dream, but his life.
Team physician Dr. Russell Warren said, “David has diffuse cervical stenosis. He had a disc removed and a fusion in January. In light of last week’s episode of symptoms, sensory and motor, Frank and I both told David he should not play football any more. We let David know that by playing, he would be putting himself at risk for more episodes like last week or perhaps something more serious.”
Wilson, like always is optimistic and making the best of the situation. He seemed to hear the team out and will begin his new life without football.
“I’m thankful that I can literally walk away from the game and that I am healthy and capable of doing the same things I have done all my life, except play football,” Wilson said.
“I don’t want anybody to feel sorry for me, or pity me,” he continued. “I lived my dream. A lot of people only get to dream their dream. I lived that dream. Now I have a chance to dream another dream and live that, too.”
Wilson as of now will end his career with five touchdowns and 504 rushing yards in 21 games. It is certainly a sad day for the NFL as a whole as we think about this young talent that was never really given a good shot at reaching his capability.
Bobby O’Hara: PureSportsNY