Buccaneers' C.J. Wilson will 'step away' from NFL after fireworks injury
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback C.J. Wilson will step away from the NFL “for now,” his agents told Pro Football Talk.
Wilson injured his hand earlier this month during a fireworks accident on July 4. On July 8, NFL.com reported Wilson's injuries were very serious, and possibly career-threatening. The Lincoln-Times Newsreported Wilson lost two fingers in the accident.
“On behalf of C.J. Wilson, he has decided to step away from the NFL at this time to focus on his immediate needs in recovery which are the foundation of his long-term health,” his agents' statement reads. “When CJ is fully healed and able to return to the game, he will then continue his career at that time.”
Wilson, not to be confused with Oakland Raiders defensive end C.J. Wilson, was released from the hospital on July 13. New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul also sustained a fireworks injury on July 4, leading to the amputation of his right index finger.
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The 25-year-old Wilson played in two games for Tampa Bay last season and recorded four tackles. He played two games for the Chicago Bears in 2013 after being signed as an undrafted free agent from North Carolina State.
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