Adrian Wilson (American football)

Adrian Wilson
refer to caption
Wilson with the Cardinals in 2009
No. 24, 44
Position: Strong Safety
Personal information
Born: (1979-10-12) October 12, 1979
High Point, North Carolina
Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight: 226 lb (103 kg)
Career information
High school: T. Wingate Andrews
(High Point, North Carolina)
College: North Carolina State
NFL Draft: 2001 / Round: 3 / Pick: 64
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 894
Sacks: 25.5
Forced fumbles: 14
Fumble recoveries: 8
Interceptions: 27
Defensive touchdowns: 4
Player stats at NFL.com
Player stats at PFR

Adrian Lemar Wilson[1] (born on October 12, 1979) is a former American football safety. He played college football at NC State, and was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft.

College career

Wilson attended North Carolina State University, where he was a two-year starter at strong safety for the NC State Wolfpack football team. In 33 games (and 23 starts) with the Wolfpack, he posted 254 total tackles (144 solo tackles, 11 tackles-for-losses), 11 pass deflections and 3 passes intercepted. His 248 total tackles was the most by an N.C. State defensive back since James Walker collected 289 stops from 1993–95. At the end of his junior year, Wilson decided to forgo his senior season and enter the 2001 NFL Draft.

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Ht Wt Arm length Hand size 40-yard dash 10-yd split 20-yd split 20-ss 3-cone Vert jump Broad BP
6 ft 2 3⁄8 in
(1.89 m)		 213 lb
(97 kg)		 32 in
(0.81 m)		 8 in
(0.20 m)		 4.52 s 1.61 s 2.65 s 39 1⁄2 in
(1.00 m)		 10 ft 0 in
(3.05 m)		 21 reps
All values from NFL Combine[2]

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals selected Wilson in the third round (64th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. Wilson was the sixth safety drafted in 2001.

2001

On July 25, 2001, the Arizona Cardinals signed Wilson to a three-year, $1.53 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $525,000.[3][4][5]

Throughout training camp, Wilson competed to be the starting strong safety against Pat Tillman and Justin Lucas. Head coach Dave McGinnis named Wilson the backup strong safety to start the regular season, behind Pat Tillman.[6]

He made his professional regular season debut in the Arizona Cardinals' season-opener against the Denver Broncos and made two combined tackles in their 38–17 loss.[7] On October 28, 2001, Wilson deflected a pass and made his first career interception off a pass by Clint Stoerner during a 17–3 loss at the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7.[7] The following week, Wilson recorded two combined tackles, broke up a pass, and was credited with half a sack on quarterback Donovan McNabb during a 21–7 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8. The sack was the first one of his career.[7] In Week 16, he collected a season-high seven combined tackles and a pass deflection in the Cardinals' 30–7 victory at the Carolina Panthers.[7] On January 6, 2002, Wilson broke up a pass and returned an interception by quarterback Tony Banks for a 61-yard touchdown in a 20–17 loss at the Washington Redskins in Week 17. The pick six marked the first touchdown of his career.[7] He finished his rookie season in 2001 with 32 combined tackles (24 solo), six passes defensed, two interceptions, a touchdown, and was credited with a half a sack in 16 games and zero starts.[8]

2002

Wilson entered training camp slated as the starting strong safety after the role was left vacant by the departure of Pat Tillman. Head coach Dave McGinnis named Wilson the starting strong safety to start the season, alongside free safety Kwamie Lassiter.[9]

Wilson was inactive for the Arizona Cardinals' season-opener at the Washington Redskins after injuring his shoulder during the preseason.[10] On September 15, 2002, Wilson earned his first career start and recorded three solo tackles during a 24–13 win at the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. On October 20, 2002, Wilson collected eight combined tackles, deflected three passes, made a season-high three interceptions, and recorded his first career sack in the Cardinals' 9–6 victory against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7. He intercepted three pass attempts and made his first career sack on quarterback Quincy Carter. In Week 10, he collected a season-high 11 combined tackles (ten solo) during a 27–6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He was sidelined for the Cardinals' Week 17 loss at the Denver Broncos due to a lingering issue with his stomach.[11]

2003

Defensive coordinator Larry Marmie retained Wilson as the starting strong safety to start the season, opposite free safety Dexter Jackson. In Week 12, Wilson collected a season-high ten solo tackles and deflected three passes during a 30–27 loss to the St. Louis Rams.[12] On December 29, 2003, the Arizona Cardinals fired head coach Dave McGinnis after they finished with a 4–12 record and finished last in their division with a losing record for the fourth consecutive season.[13] He completed the season with 77 combined tackles (68 solo) and eight passes defensed in 16 games and 15 starts.[8]

2004

On December 24, 2004, the Arizona Cardinals signed Wilson to a five-year, $21 million contract with a signing bonus of $4.50 million.[14][3]

The Arizona Cardinals' new head coach Dennis Green retained Wilson as the starting strong safety to start the regular season, along with free safety Quentin Harris.[15] On September 19, 2004, Wilson recorded a season-high 11 combined tackles (ten solo) and two pass deflections during a 23–12 loss to the New England Patriots.[16] Wilson completed the 2004 season with 102 combined tackles (80 solo), eight pass deflections, three interceptions, and a sack in 16 games and 16 starts.[8]

2005

Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast chose to retain Wilson as the starting strong safety to start the 2005 regular season, opposite free safety Robert Griffith.[17][18] In Week 3, Wilson collected 11 combined tackles (six solo) and a pass deflection in the Cardinals' 37–12 loss at the Seattle Seahawks.[19] On November 13, 2005, he collected a season-high 14 combined tackles (ten solo) and two pass deflections in a 29–21 loss at the Detroit Lions in Week 10.[19] The following week, Wilson made eight solo tackles and a career-high three sacks on quarterback Marc Bulger during a 38–28 victory at the St. Louis Rams in Week 11.[19] In Week 16, Wilson recorded five solo tackles, a pass deflection, and made two sacks on quarterback Donovan McNabb in the Cardinals' 27–21 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. He finished the 2005 season with a career-high 109 combined tackles (93 solo), eight passes defensed, a career-high eight sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception in 16 games and 16 starts.[8]

2006

Head coach Dennis Green retained Wilson and Robert Smith as the starting safety duo to begin the season in 2006.[20] On October 1, 2006, Wilson recorded five combined tackles, a pass deflection, and returned an interception by quarterback Michael Vick for a 99-yard touchdown as the Cardinals lost 32-10 at the Atlanta Falcons.[21] In Week 13, he collected a season-high nine solo tackles, broke up two passes, and an interception in a 34–20 victory at the St. Louis Rams.[22] On December 20, 2006, it was announced that Wilson was selected to play in the 2007 Pro Bowl, marking his first career Pro Bowl selection. He finished the season with a total of 82 combined tackles (74 solo), seven pass deflections, five sacks, four interceptions, and a touchdown in 16 games and 16 starts.[8]

2007

On January 1, 2007, the Arizona Cardinals fired head coach Dennis Green after they completed the 2006 season with a 5–11 record.[23] The Arizona Cardinals' new head coach Ken Whisenhunt retained Wilson as the starting strong safety to start the regular season, alongside free safety Terrence Holt.[24] He started in the Arizona Cardinals' season-opener at the San Francisco 49ers and collected ten combined tackles (six solo) and a pass deflection in their 20–17 loss.[25] On September 23, 2007, Wilson recorded a season-high 12 combined tackles (ten solo) during a 26–23 loss at the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3.[25] In Week 5, he made two solo tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception in the Cardinals' 34–31 win at the St. Louis Rams.[25] The interception marked his second consecutive interception of the season. In Week 10, Wilson sustained an injured to his heel and was inactive for the next two games (Weeks 11–12).[26] Hie injury ended his 59 game streak of consecutive starts. On November 28, 2007, the Arizona Cardinals placed Wilson on injured reserve for the remainder of the season after it was confirmed he would have to undergo surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon and an injury he sustained to his right heel.[27] Wilson completed his first season under Ken Whisenhunt with a total of 44 combined tackles (33 solo), three pass deflections, and two interceptions in nine games and nine starts.[8]

2008

Wilson returned as the starting strong safety in 2008 and was paired with free safety Antrel Rolle. The Cardinals' secondary also included cornerbacks Eric Green, Roderick Hood, and rookie Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.[28]

He started in the Arizona Cardinals' season-opener at the San Francisco 49ers and made four combined tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass by quarterback J. T. O'Sullivan in their 23–13 victory.[29] Wilson was inactive for the Cardinals' Week 4 loss at the New York Jets.[30] On October 8, 2008, Wilson received a $25,000 fine for roughing the passer. The fine was from a Week 5 incident where he drove quarterback Trent Edwards into the ground. Edwards was immediately rendered unconscious from the hit and caused a concussion.[31] On November 23, 2008, Wilson collected a season-high nine combined tackles (seven solo) during a 37–29 loss to the New York Giants in Week 13.[30] On December 17, 2008, it was announced that Wilson was selected to play in the 2009 Pro Bowl.[32] Wilson finished the 2008 season with 75 combined tackles (60 solo), five pass deflections, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions in 15 games and 15 starts.[8]

The Arizona Cardinals finished the season first in the NFC West with a 9–7 record. On January 3, 2009, Wilson started his first career playoff game and recorded four solo tackles in a 30–24 victory against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Wildcard Game. The Cardinals defeating the Carolina Panthers 33–13 in the NFC Divisional Round.[30] On January 18, 2009, Wilson collected seven solo tackles, deflected a pass, and made two sacks in a 32-25 victory at the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.[30] On February 1, 2009, Wilson recorded seven solo tackles in the Cardinals' 32–25 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII.[30]

2009

On February 9, 2009, head coach Ken Whisenhunt fired defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. Pendergast was Wilson's defensive coordinator for the last six seasons.[33]

On June 4, 2009, the Arizona Cardinals re-signed Wilson to a five-year, $39 million contract extension with $18.50 million guaranteed.[3] The contract extension added four additional years to Wilson's previous contract that had one-year remaining.[34]

Defensive coordinator Billy Davis retained Wilson and Antrel Rolle as the starting safety duo to begin the regular season.[35] On December 14, 2009, Wilson recorded a season-high eight solo tackles, a career-high five pass deflections, and an interception during a 24–9 loss at the San Francisco 49ers in Week 14. On December 26, 2009, Wilson recorded four solo tackles, a pass deflection, an interception, and a sack during a 31–19 victory against the St. Louis Rams. His sack was the 20th of his career and earned him the recognition of being the 14th player to record 20 sacks and 20 interceptions in their career and become the a member of the 20–20 club.[36][37] On December 29, 2009, Wilson was voted to the 2010 Pro Bowl, marking the third selection of his career.[38] Wilson completed the 2009 season with 74 combined tackles (61 solo), 13 passes defensed, five interceptions, and two sacks in 16 games and 16 starts.[8]

The Arizona Cardinals finished atop The NFC West with a 10–6 record and clinched a wildcard berth. On January 16, 2010, Wilson recorded nine combined tackles and a pass deflection during a 45–14 loss at the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Round.[39]

2010

Head coach Ken Whisenhunt retained Wilson as the starting strong safety in 2010, alongside free safety Kerry Rhodes.[40] He started in the Arizona Cardinals' season-opener at the St. Louis Rams and recorded two solo tackles, two pass deflections, a sack, and intercepted two passes by quarterback Sam Bradford in their 17–13 victory. In Week 14, he collected a season-high 11 solo tackles and a pass deflection during a 43–13 victory against the Denver Broncos. He completed the season with 88 combined tackles (76 solo), nine pass deflections, two interceptions, and two sacks in 16 games and 16 starts.[8]

2011

On January 6, 2011, Arizona Cardinals' head coach Ken Whisenhunt fired defensive coordinator Bill Davis after the team finished with a 5–11 record in 2010.[41] Their new defensive coordinator, Ray Horton, retained both Wilson and Kerry Rhodes as the starting safety tandem to begin the regular season. On December 18, 2011, Wilson collected a season-high eight solo tackles and deflected a pass during a 20–17 victory against the Cleveland Browns in Week 15.[42] On December 27, 2011, Wilson was selected to play in the 2012 Pro Bowl, marking his fourth Pro Bowl appearance of his career.[43] He finished the 2012 season with 65 combined tackles (48 solo), 14 passes defensed, and an interception in 16 games and 16 starts.[8]

2012

On July 25, 2012, Wilson agreed to restructure his contract to help the Cardinals free up additional cap space.[44] Head coach Ken Whisenhunt retained Wilson and Rhodes as the starting safety duo in 2012. Wilson was inactive for the Cardinals' Week 3 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles after injuring his groin and ankle. The injuries ended his streak of 62 consecutive regular season games played.[45] In Week 4, he collected a season-high ten combined tackles (eight solo), three pass deflections, a forced fumble, and sacked quarterback Ryan Tannehill during a 24–21 overtime victory against the Miami Dolphins.[46] On December 16, 2012, Wilson recorded three solo tackles and sacked quarterback Matthew Stafford during a 38–10 win against the Detroit Lions in Week 15. The sack brought his career total to 25 sacks. Along with his 27 interceptions, Wilson became only the sixth player in league history to earn 25 sacks and 25 interceptions over the course of their career and join the vaunted 25–25 club.[47] He completed his last season with the Cardinals with a total of 54 combined tackles (39 solo), five pass deflections, three sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception in 15 games and 14 starts.[8]

2013

On January 3, 2013, the Arizona Cardinals fired general manager Rod Graves and head coach Ken Whisenhunt after they did not qualify for the playoffs after finishing with a 10–6 record in 2012.[48]

On March 8, 2013, the Arizona Cardinals released Wilson ending his 12-year tenure with the team.

New England Patriots

On March 15, 2013, the New England Patriots signed Wilson to a three-year, $5 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $1 million.[3][49]

Upon joining the team, Wilson offered Kyle Arrington a year's supply of diapers for Arrington's newborn baby to have his jersey No. 24, the number Wilson had in Arizona. On May 1, 2013, Wilson received the No. 24 jersey from Kyle Arrington. Kyle Arrington was reassigned to No. 25.[50] During training camp, Wilson competed to be the starting strong safety against Duron Harmon and Steve Gregory.[51] On August 31, 2013, the New England Patriots placed Wilson on the season-ending injured reserve due to an Achilles tendon injury. On April 4, 2014, the New England Patriots released Wilson.[52]

Chicago Bears

On June 23, 2014, the Chicago Bears signed Wilson to a one-year, $955,000 contract at the veteran minimum. Throughout training camp, he competed against Ryan Mundy for the job as the starting strong safety. On August 23, 2014, the Chicago Bears waived Wilson as part of their roster cuts.[53][54]

Retirement

On April 20, 2015, Wilson signed a one-day contract with the Arizona Cardinals and announced his retirement from the National Football League.

NFL career statistics

Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions Other
CombTotalAstSacksFFFRYdsIntsYdsAvgLongTDPDStuffsStuff YardsKick Blocks
2001ARI 16322480.5000297496118200
2002ARI 149165261.510043593505200
2003ARI 16776890.0200000008101
2004ARI 1610280221.012036221270111100
2005ARI 1610993168.0120136363609700
2006ARI 16837585.0420414637991117150
2007ARI 94433110.00002201020034150
2008ARI 157560152.52002371928055140
2009ARI 167461132.01211556114101310200
2010ARI 168876122.00002424094111
2011ARI 166548170.010011717170148220
2012ARI 155439153.01001-2-2-205271
Career18189472217225.514802750819992101631043

[55]

NFL records

  • Most sacks in a single season by a defensive back (8 in 2005)

Cardinals franchise records

Personal life

Wilson attended T. Wingate Andrews High School in High Point, North Carolina. Wilson is married to wife Alicia Wilson, with three children, one which was born shortly after the Arizona Cardinals loss to the New Orleans Saints in the 2009 Divisional Round. He owns a designer shoe store in Arizona called High Point.

References

  1. ↑ "Wilson on Pro-Football-Reference". rbref.com. Archived from the original on 5 February 2008. Retrieved 2007-12-22.
  2. ↑ "Adrian Wilson, DS # SS, North Carolina State". draftscout.com. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Spotrac.com: Adrian Wilson contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  4. ↑ "Bengals agree to deal with third round pick". espncdn.com. May 11, 2001. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  5. ↑ "Cardinals agree to terms with Adrian Wilson". newspapers.com. July 25, 2001. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
  6. ↑ "2001 Arizona Cardinals Roster". footballdb.com. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "NFL Player stats: Adrian Wilson (2001)". NFL.com. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "NFL Player stats: Adrian Wilson (career)". NFL.com. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  9. ↑ Lang, Chris (August 1, 2002). "Talented tandem". azcentral.com. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  10. ↑ "Week 2 NFL Injury Report". jt-sw.com. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
  11. ↑ "NFL Injury Report". bengals.enquirer.com. December 19, 2002. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
  12. ↑ "NFL Player stats: Adrian Wilson (2003)". NFL.com. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
  13. ↑ Baum, Bob (December 29, 2003). "McGinnis fired by Cardinals". azdailysun.com. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
  14. ↑ "Falcons sign Vick to 10-Year Extension". latimes.com. December 24, 2001. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  15. ↑ "The Football Database: Arizona Cardinals Roster (2004)". footballdb.com. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
  16. ↑ "NFL Player stats: Adrian Wilson (2004)". NFL.com. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
  17. ↑ "The Football Database: Arizona Cardinals Roster (2005)". footballdb.com. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
  18. ↑ "Pro-Football-Reference: 2005 Arizona Cardinals (Starters/Roster)". Pro-Football-Reference.com. June 7, 2018.
  19. 1 2 3 "NFL Player stats: Adrian Wilson (2005)". NFL.com. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
  20. ↑ "the Football Database: Arizona Cardinals Roster (2006)". footballdb.com. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
  21. ↑ "Reed rumbles 108 yards for NFL record | Longest interception returns by team". Pro Football Hall of Fame. November 24, 2008. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
  22. ↑ "NFL Player stats: Adrian Wilson (2006)". NFL.com. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
  23. ↑ "Cardinals fire coach Green after three years". washingtonpost.com. January 1, 2007. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
  24. ↑ "Ourlads.com: Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart: 09/02/2007". Ourlads.com. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
  25. 1 2 3 "NFL Player stats: Adrian Wilson (2007)". NFL.com. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
  26. ↑ Associated Press (November 25, 2007). "49ers' Alex Smith, Cardinals' Adrian Wilson sit out game". eastbaytimes.com. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
  27. ↑ Pasquerelli, Len (November 28, 2007). "Wilson joins fellow DB Green on injured list, out for season". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
  28. ↑ "Ourlads.com: Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart: 08/29/2008". ourlads.com. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
  29. ↑ "NFL Game Center: Week 1-2008: Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers". NFL.com. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  30. 1 2 3 4 5 "NFL Player stats: Adrian Wilson (2008)". Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  31. ↑ "Adrian Wilson fined $25,000 for Trent Edwards hit". profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
  32. ↑ "2009 Pro Bowl Rosters". zimbio.com. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  33. ↑ "Cards oust D-coordinator Pendergast". ESPN.com. February 9, 2009. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  34. ↑ "Wilson gets new deal from Cardinals". ESPN.com. June 5, 2009. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  35. ↑ "Ourlads.com: Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart: 09/06/2009". Ourlads.com. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  36. ↑ Gribble, Andrew (October 16, 2015). "Karlos Dansby's 2 INTs move him closer to exclusive statistical milestone". ClevelandBrowns.com. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  37. ↑ Young, Bob (June 4, 2009). "Cardinals sign Wilson; shift focus". The Arizona Republic.
  38. ↑ "2010 AFC & NFC Pro Bowl Rosters". baltimorebeatdown.com. December 30, 2009. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  39. ↑ "NFL Player stats: Adrian Wilson (2009)". NFL.com. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  40. ↑ "Ourlads.com: Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart: 09/05/2010". Ourlads.com. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  41. ↑ Associated Press (January 6, 2011). "Cardinals fire coordinator Bill Davis". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  42. ↑ "NFL Player stats: Adrian Wilson (2011)". NFL.com. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  43. ↑ "2012 Pro Bowl Rosters". NFL.com. December 27, 2011. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  44. ↑ Breed, Albert (June 24, 2012). "Adrian Wilson signs Arizona Cardinals contract extension through 2015". NFL.com. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  45. ↑ McIntyre, Brian (September 23, 2012). "Adrian Wilson, Knowshon Moreno headline late game NFL inactive lists". Yahoo.com. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  46. ↑ "NFL Game Center: Week 4-2012: Miami Dolphins @ Arizona Cardinals". NFL.com. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  47. ↑ Young, Bob (December 16, 2012). "Adrian Wilson affirms stamp on Arizona Cardinals history". The Arizona Republic.
  48. ↑ "Cards fire Ken Whisenhunt, Graves". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  49. ↑ Young, Shaleese (March 19, 2013). "Contract details for Aqib Talib and Adrian Wilson". Boston.com. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  50. ↑ http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-englandpatriots/post/_/id/4741094/adrian-wilson-pats-reach-agreement
  51. ↑ "Ourlads.com: New England Patriots Depth Chart: 07/01/2013". Ourlads.com. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  52. ↑ Adrian Wilson released by New England Patriots
  53. ↑ Mayer, Larry (August 23, 2014). "Bears sign S Wilson, TE Mastrud". Chicago Bears. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  54. ↑ Bears begin cuts, release veteran safety Wilson
  55. ↑ "Adrian Wilson". ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  56. ↑ https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/career-defense.htm
  57. ↑ https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/career-defense.htm
  58. ↑ https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/career-defense.htm
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