David Wilson – New York Giants
As a kid, Wilson dreamed of playing for the Giants and in 2012, that dream became reality. He impressed scouts with his athleticism and was widely considered a top 5 running back behind Trent Richardson. Tragically, after just two seasons, Wilson was placed on season-ending injured reserve after suffering what doctors called spinal stenosis. Doctors told Wilson that if he ever played again, he faced an increased risk of serious neck injury. Wilson underwent neck surgery in 2014 and was ruled out for the year due to his neck again. Again, doctors advised him not to play football because of his recurring neck injuries, so he was forced to announce his retirement from the NFL that same year.
David Wilson – New York Giants
Rudy Tomjanovich – Houston Rockets
Rudy Tomjanovich’s injury changed the course of basketball. It was December 9th, 1977 and the Lakers were playing against the Houston Rockets. A fight broke out on the court and Tomjanovich rushed to aid his teammate Kevin Kunnert, who had tussled first with Abdul-Jabbar, then with Kermit Washington. Tomjanovich ran up right behind Washington, who then turned around and delivered a near fatal right-hand punch straight to Tomjanovich’s face, knocking him hard to the floor and leaving him in a pool of blood. Tomjanovich’s hit was like being thrown from a car going 50 miles per hour – his skull dislocated and spinal fluid was leaking from his brain. He would recover but his NBA career never regained, two years later, he retired and became a successful
NBA coach.
Rudy Tomjanovich – Houston Rockets
