Ex-Giants RB David Wilson to make pro track debut Saturday

[Mr. P]

 

Less than a year after his NFL career officially ended, David Wilson’s second career is about to begin.

The former Giants running back, whose career was cut short last August due to spinal stenosis, will make his professional track and field debut this Saturday on Randall’s Island. Wilson, who’ll turn 24 on Monday, is expected to compete in the triple jump in Icahn Stadium at the Adidas Grand Prix NYC event.

His hope is to qualify for the USATF Outdoor Championships, scheduled for June 26-28 in Oregon.

Wilson said in a recent Instagram post that he’s been dealing with a hamstring injury lately during his training. He also said he hasn’t competed in a track and field event since 2010 when he was at Virginia Tech.

But ever since doctors advised the former first-round pick to give up football after his aborted comeback attempt in August, he’s been determined to make his mark on the track and perhaps even compete at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero. Shortly after his retirement, Wilson told the Daily News his personal best in the triple jump was 53 feet, 1 ¾ inches – shy of the 54 feet, 6 ½ inches he would’ve needed to qualify for the Olympics in 2012.

Wilson, who won a national championship in the triple jump while in high school, certainly appears athletic enough. The Giants made him the 32nd overall pick in the 2012 draft in part because of his uncommon speed. He also was known for his ability to standing backflips, which he often did after touchdowns.

But a seemingly innocuous hit in a game in 2013 led to a “burner” that wouldn’t go away, and turned more serious when the doctors discovered he suffered from spinal stenosis – a narrowing of the spinal canal. With the doctors’ blessing he attempted a comeback in 2014, but when he suffered another burner just one week into training camp, doctors advised him it was time to call it quits.

Almost immediately after that he turned his attention and his training to track and field. Ten months later, he’s ready for his first professional event.

 

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ex-giants-rb-david-wilson-expected-compete-triple-jump-article-1.2251825?utm_content=buffer97d8a&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=RVacchiano+Twitter

 

 

 

I think it's cool he's found a way to keep his competitive spirit alive.

[Treehugger]

Good luck to him.

[TrashTalker92]

Best of luck to the guy. Glad he can use his talent else where

[Herc]

awesome. i loved the kid and hope he kills it