Wilson says dramatic win over Pats could spark playoff push
Wide receiver also making progress with hip injury
HOLLYWOOD — Miami Dolphins receiver Albert Wilson may no longer be making game-changing plays for his team due to a season-ending hip injury.
But he is still doing the most he can to contribute to the South Florida community during the holiday season.
Wilson, who walking again on is now his own after a hip injury in October, met and exchanged stuffed animals with more than 20 patients at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital on Tuesday.
“I’m feeling pretty good,” Wilson said, regarding his hip injury, suffered during the Dolphins’ only home loss of the season, to Detroit in Week 5.
“I’m getting better daily. I’m trying to work and get back to how I was, but I’m just taking it a day at a time.”
Wilson says he sustained a small fracture and labrum tear on his hip, but the injury was not severe enough for him to require surgery.
Wilson was required to wear a hip brace and walk with crutches for “a couple weeks.”
“It’s a blessing from God not having to get surgery and to be able to get to 100 percent without a procedure,” Wilson said. “It’s an honor and a blessing.”
Wilson’s presence and big-play ability has been sorely missed by the Dolphins since he suffered his injury.
He was the catalyst on two of the Dolphins’ longest touchdowns this season, a 74- and 75-yard play, and even threw a 52-yard touchdown to his good friend Jakeem Grant during a home win over Oakland in Week 3.
Despite losing Wilson and a number of other players to injury this season, the Dolphins have a 7-6 record and are tied with three other teams for the final AFC wild-card playoff spot heading into Sunday’s road game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Wilson also felt the high of the Dolphins’ miraculous win over the New England Patriots last Sunday, which ended with a 69-yard touchdown with no time remaining.
“We’ve had some bumps in the road and dealt with a lot of injuries,” Wilson said. “We’re kinda short on the roster, but for them to go out there and fight, and fight every week, and come so close, a win like that was important for our team.
“It was the spark we needed to continue this playoff push.”
Wilson was joined by his father, mother, girlfriend and niece during the Make Someone Happy event at the hospital.
The Russ stuffed animals were provided by Jazwares, a toy company in Sunrise.
“For me to be able to have an impact on kids from being a football player and having success in the NFL, it can change their day around,” Wilson said. “Every time I can get an opportunity to come out into the community, especially so close to home, it’s special to me.”