Los Angeles: Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback C.J. Wilson is taking time off from the NFL to focus on his health after losing two fingers in a July 4 fireworks accident.
The Buccaneers announced on Friday they had placed the defender on the league’s Reserve/Retired list.
“We know this process has been difficult for C.J. and respect his decision to step away from football,” Bucs general manager Jason Licht said in a statement.
The club also posted a statement from Wilson’s agents on its website, saying the player felt he should “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,” agents Joel and Justin Turner said.
“C.J. is in good spirits and is continuing to focus on his rehab and the healing of his hand. 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.”
Meanwhile, the future of Jason Pierre-Paul with the New York Giants remained murky this week after the pass-rush specialist had his right index finger amputated after a fireworks injury on the Independence Day holiday.
Pierre-Paul had yet to sign the Giants’ one-year franchise-player contract offer when he was hurt, and Giants co-owner Steve Tisch told Newsday on Thursday there was “nothing new” to report on his status.
“I hope he will play great football in the future,” Tisch said.
“I hope he’s getting the best medical care available to him and I really personally and from my position with the Giants wish him all the best and I look forward to seeing him sooner than later.”
US media have reported that Pierre-Paul won’t sign with the Giants until he is fit to play.
If he signs the deal before he’s medically cleared, the Giants could put him on the injured list and choose not to pay him for the first six games of the season.
