NFL’s C.J. Wilson Retires? Buccaneers Cornerback Placed On Reserve/Retired List For Losing Two Fingers In 4th Of July Accident


NFL’s C.J. Wilson has been put on the reserve/retired list by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The cornerback is expected to wait it out until his hand injuries heal completely, and hopefully the loss of two fingers won’t affect his play.

Messing with firecrackers has proven costly for C.J. Wilson, who recently lost two digits of his right hand. The 25-year-old mishandled some deadly fireworks and ended up not just injuring his right hand, but also losing the index and middle fingers during the accident in North Carolina. The accident happened over the Fourth of July weekend, presumably while Wilson was participating in lighting up the fireworks.

Incidentally, Wilson wasn’t the only one to suffer injuries. Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul of the New York Giants also suffered hand injuries.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback spent most of last season on the practice squad, finishing with four tackles while appearing in two games on the active roster, reported Fox News. There is currently no news about C.J. Wilson’s injured hand, but according to his agents, he is on the road to recovery. Wilson’s agent confirmed that the pro football player hopes to resume his stalled NFL career “when he is fully healed.”

Speaking about his condition and immediate priorities, Wilson’s agents Joel and Justin Turner said via a statement, “Wilson will focus on his immediate needs in recovery which are the foundation of his long-term health. When C.J. is fully healed and able to return to the game, he will then continue his career at that time. C.J. is in good spirits and is continuing to focus on his rehab and the healing of his hand. Thanks to so many people who have sent calls and messages of concern for him. He is a very strong willed young man with great work ethic and character. We look forward to seeing him play again in the future.”

Being on the reserved/retired list implies that C.J. Wilson won’t feature on the Buccaneers’ 90-man roster when training camp opens next week, reported MSN. It literally means Wilson will have to wait in plain clothes and will not even don the uniform and standard-issue protective gear.

Speaking about the 25-year-old’s predicament, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said, “We know this process has been difficult for C.J. and respect his decision to step away from football. We are grateful for the contributions he has made… and wish him the best as he focuses on his health and recovery.”

What’s bound to hurt Wilson’s career, apart from the loss of his fingers in a rather foolish accident, is the fact that he was just about done with his two-year contract. In addition to the fresh negotiations that are currently bringing in unheard of remunerations for players, Wilson was about to enter the final season of his contract, which would have netted him at least $585,000 in the current year.

Though this incident will serve as a warning for kids not to mess with fireworks, will the loss of two fingers affect C.J. Wilson’s game when he returns?

[Image Credit via Getty Images]

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