Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback C.J. Wilson lost two fingers during a fireworks accident on the Fourth of July weekend. In what was a major blow to his chances of actually making a career out of this football thing, Wilson has now decided to step away from the NFL in order to focus on his overall health.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that not only is Wilson stepping away from the NFL, it appears that the decision is for good. Sources close to the situation told him that “it’s doubtful” Wilson will ever return to the league.
Wilson’s father, Curtis Sr., told a television station in North Carolina earlier this month that his son lost his index and middle finger on one of his hands. Needless to say, that type of injury would hamper his ability to succeed at the highest level football has to offer.
While Wilson’s accident isn’t as well known as what happened to New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul the same weekend, it’s still sad to see a player have to give up his career due to an accident that could have been avoided with some common sense.
This makes us wonder whether NFL contracts into the future will demand that players refrain from actually playing with fireworks.
Wilson finishes his career having played in a total of four games in two seasons. He lasted suited up for the Buccaneers in 2014.
Photo: USA Today Sports