Toronto Argonauts running back James Wilder Jr. has decided to sit out the 2018 CFL season. The CFL’s top rookie last season issued a statement Wednesday saying he’s received interest from “several NFL teams” this off-season. Wilder Jr., who’s under contract with Toronto through the 2018 campaign, said he’s reached out to the Argos several times, but they’re unwilling to allow him to pursue those opportunities so he’ll skip playing in Canada this season to safeguard against a potential “career-ending injury.”“It’s a decision I’ve prayed on while speaking at length with the people closest to me, including my mentors,” Wilder said. “I wish it could be different. “I don’t want to put my football dreams aside, but as a father of four, playing for $56,000 Canadian (about $45,000 U.S.) without any potential protection from career-ending injury isn’t enough to give my family comfort.”Wilder Jr. added the Argos weren’t willing to redo his CFL deal “to reflect the value I believe I bring to the team.”

Source: thestar January 25, 2018 00:11 UTC