This past fourth of July proved to be a dangerous one for a couple of NFL players. New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre Paul wasn’t the only one to suffer serious injuries from lighting fireworks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback C.J. Wilson lost two fingers in a fireworks accident, his father told a Charlotte, North Carolina, television station.
Wilson’s agent, Joel Turner, declined to discuss specifics of the injury and referred all further questions about Wilson’s situation to the Buccaneers, but a team source told ESPN NFL Insider Ed Werder that the injury was “significant.”
Curtis Wilson Sr., appearing on Charlotte’s WBTV, said the fireworks did not pop out of the canister when they exploded.
“We are aware that C.J. was involved in an accident that occurred over the July 4th holiday,” the team said in a statement. “It is our understanding that the injury occurred to one of his hands, and our primary concern at this moment is for his long-term health. We have been in contact with C.J. and are continuing to monitor the situation.”
Wilson is in the final season of his two-year deal that carries a nonguaranteed base salary of $585,000 for the 2015 season.
He appeared in two games last season and was credited with four tackles.