Ex-Giant David Wilson Eager To Jump His Way Into The 2016 Olympics

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Imagine achieving your dream, only to have it snatched away.

Former Giants running back David Wilson went from a first-round pick in the NFL draft to retirement in two short years.

But now he's back chasing another dream, CBS2's Steve Overmyer reported Thursday.

If you weren't heartbroken watching Wilson's retirement press conference last year, you should be checked for a pulse.

"Don't for a second think I'm pitying myself or sad, because I got to live my dream. And I'll set another dream and be great at that," Wilson said through tears back on Aug. 6, 2014.

Even though he had a rare spinal injury, his competitive spirit needed to be channeled into another sport. Now, his new goal is to make the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team. This weekend Wilson will compete in the triple jump at the Adidas Grand Prix, his last chance to qualify for this summer's USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships, which will be held at the end of June in Sacramento, California.

A passion for competition always ran through Wilson's veins – and, as it turns out, it's still running.

"Every time I ran track was because I couldn't play football," Wilson said Thursday. "Now I can't play football for the Giants and so I'm going to run track."

Wilson jumped for fun in high school and won nationals. He jumped for fun in college and beat Olympic medalists. When he was with the Giants he was known for his jumps.

"Time doesn't wait for nobody. I know there's more I wanted to accomplish," Wilson said.

Even though his last relationship with a sport didn't work out, he's not afraid to take another leap, Overmyer reported.

"I was in love with the sport, in love with where I was and then it came to an end," Wilson said of his short football career. "I had to keep moving, so I could be successful at life."

When asked if the triple jump is his new love, Wilson said with a laugh, "Yeah, hopefully she don't break up with me too soon."

Despite intense training for his new sport, it's been five years since Wilson has actually jumped.

"I don't even know," what's going to happen, Wilson said, adding "Everyone that's sitting down, I'm in the same predicament at them. I'm just waiting to see what's going to happen."

Wilson is also playing in a charity softball event later this month, and even revealed to Overmyer that he's thinking about pursuing a career in baseball.