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When David Wilson retired from the New York Giants due to complications with spinal stenosis that ended his NFL career after only three seasons, he mentioned his retirement was simply the end one chapter and beginning of another.
“I realize how much people have helped me along the way,” Wilson said. “When you push the pause button, you get to look at that. But I plan on pushing ‘play’ real soon. Moving on in future endeavors, I’m excited.”
It appears as if Wilson’s life has resumed play.
One week after appearing on ESPN’s NFL Live, Wilson will co-host NBC’s Pro Football Talk with Mike Florio and Dave Briggs. The trio will break down a few select NFL preseason match ups coming this weekend.
Former @Giants running back David Wilson @4stillRunning will appear as a guest analyst on tonight's edition of @PFTonNBCSN. 5:30 pmET @NBCSN
— NBC Sports PR (@NBCSportsPR) August 15, 2014
Wilson @4stillRunning will join co-hosts Mike Florio & @davebriggstv to preview select NFL matchups this weekend @PFTonNBCSN tonight 5:30 ET
— NBC Sports PR (@NBCSportsPR) August 15, 2014
The Giants drafted Wilson in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft and the Virginia Tech alum made a near immediate impact on special teams. The 23-year-old gained 1,533 kick return yards and scored a touchdown. He set an NFL record his rookie year versus the New Orleans Saints. In a 52-27 Giants victory, Wilson returned four kickoffs for 227 yards (including a 97-yard touchdown) and also ran for 100 yards and two additional touchdowns. He became the first player in NFL history with 200 kick return yards and 100 rushing yards.
Entering year two, Wilson was expected to lead the Giants rushing attack, but struggled early on holding on to the football. Versus the Philadelphia Eagles, Wilson’s season ended when he suffered a ‘neck burner.’ When doctors sent Wilson for further tests, it revealed his spinal stenosis.
Wilson had vertebrae fusion surgery and endured a long rehabilitation process this offseason. Just eight days after receiving medical clearance, Wilson re-injured his neck and was advised by doctors to not continue playing football.
Wilson finished his NFL career with 504 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. He returned 66 total kickoffs for 1,755 yards and one touchdown.