The NFL preseason is normally a time of new beginnings and renewed hopes for players and fans. This is not the case for Giants running back David Wilson, who will be forced to retire after re-aggregating a spinal injury from last season.
According to the Giants team website, Wilson, picked 32nd overall by the Giants in the 2012 draft, was advised by team doctors to never play football again as a result of the diffuse-cervical stenosis he sustained in an injury late last season. Wilson delivered an emotional farewell speech on Tuesday.
“I don’t want anybody to feel sorry for me, or pity me,” said Wilson. “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.”
The 23 year-old Wilson played on 21-career games before suffering the career-ending injury. Coach Tom Coughlin, whom Wilson had to prove himself to after early fumble issues, spoke highly of Wilson’s character.
“He is so positive. The smile is still on his face, even though he has received this kind of news,” Coughlin said.
Wilson’s entire farewell speech can be viewed here