New York Giants running back David Wilson has admitted that he lived his dream playing in the NFL for two seasons, after being advised to end his career.
Doctors have recommended that the 23-year-old end his playing days in the league after showing spinal problems following a heavy hit in his side's training camp, months removed from spinal fusion surgery.
"I don't want anybody to feel sorry for me, or pity me," Wilson told the club's official website. "I lived my dream. A lot of people only get to dream their dream. I lived that dream. Now I have a chance to dream another dream and live that, too.
"I'm thankful that I can literally walk away from the game and that I am healthy and capable of doing the same things I have done all my life, except play football.
"I always try to find the positive in everything. This morning when I saw Dr Cammisa and Dr Warren, I didn't hear what I wanted to hear, but I expected that what they told me could be a possibility."
Wilson ran for 504 yards and five touchdowns in his two seasons with the Giants.