Former New York Giants RB David Wilson Eyes Olympics

One of the more heartbreaking stories of the 2014 football season came right out of the gate for the New York Giants. Running back David Wilson, a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, was forced to announce his retirement during training camp. The announcement didn’t come as a complete surprise; the electrifying return man had suffered a serious neck injury the year before.

The real headline came when Wilson declared he would focus his efforts going forward on becoming an Olympic track and field champion.

Wilson, who was a national champion in the triple jump as a high school competitor and had a good showing in the event at the 2011 NCAA Championships, is about to take his first major step on the road to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. This Saturday, the former Giant and Virginia Tech Hokie will make his professional track debut at the Adidas Grand Prix.

The 24-year-old has work to do if he wants to achieve his dream of Olympic glory–the minimum mark for entry into the games is set at 16.90 meters. Meanwhile, Wilson’s personal best set in 2011 measured in at 16.20 meters. Nonetheless, with his fiery determination and a total focus on track and field, the man that thrilled crowds with double-backflip TD celebrations may just be able to rise to the occasion.

Good luck, David!