If this didn’t get you where it counts, you’re not human. Former New York Giants running back David Wilson, who had to announce his retirement from the NFL after just two seasons, conducted a tearful farewell in front of the Giants’ media on Wednesday.
However unfortunate Wilson’s injury and forced retirement might be, the former first-round pick struck a cord of positivity in his comments on Wednesday.
I continue living,” Wilson said. “When life knocks you down, I always say plan to land on your back, because if you can look up, you can get up. But if you’re flat on your face, that can kill your spirit. Always think of it in that aspect – if you can look up, you can get up.
Holding back tears, Wilson continued (via Giants.com).
At a young age, I had a dream to play in the NFL,” Wilson said. “I did that, I played in the NFL and I scored touchdowns and I broke tackles and I broke and set records. I practiced with my teammates, got to play for Coach (Tom) Coughlin, got drafted by the Giants. So at no point should anybody feel like this is over, because in life everything has obstacles.
We all go through our own obstacles every day. The main thing is, when you’re going through those obstacles, to stay focused and embrace faith and keep your dreams. Even if one dream seems to fade away, set another goal and set another dream and try to reach that.
Wilson can act as an inspiration to the countless football players who see their dreams come to halt without making it to the level that he eventually made it to. At 23 years old, Wilson knows full well that he has a long life ahead of himself. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, Wilson has made the decision to treat this career-ending injury as the end of one chapter in his life and the beginning of another.
In deciding not to fight what doctors told him and risk long-term paralysis, Wilson is acting as a role model. He’s saying life is bigger than football and that there are other opportunities individuals have outside of the gridiron.
I’m still living and I’m still healthy and doing the things that I can do, except football. That doesn’t last forever, anyway. Mine’s been cut short and I’ve accepted that. I appreciate the opportunity from the Giants of being able to play and being up here and doing all the things I love.
We wish Wilson the best of luck with his future endeavours outside of the world of football. If his handling of this life-changing event is an indication, Wilson will be just fine.
Photo: Metro.us