Earl Wilson (gridiron football) facts for kids
| No. 58, 93 | |
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| Position: | Defensive lineman |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | September 13, 1958 Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight: | 276 lb (125 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Atlantic City (Atlantic City, New Jersey) |
| College: | Kentucky (1976–1980) |
| Undrafted: | 1981 |
| Career history | |
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| CFL status: | International |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Player stats at PFR | |
Earl Wilson, born on September 13, 1958, is a former American football player. He was a talented defensive lineman. Earl played for both the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League (NFL) and the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He also played college football for the University of Kentucky. A big highlight of his career was winning the 71st Grey Cup with the Argonauts.
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Earl Wilson's Early Life and College Football
Earl Wilson was born in Long Branch, New Jersey. This happened on September 13, 1958. He grew up and went to Atlantic City High School. This school is located in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
After high school, Earl went to the University of Kentucky. He played college football for the Kentucky Wildcats. He was part of the team from 1976 to 1980. Earl was recognized as a "letterman" in 1977, 1978, and 1980. This means he played well enough to earn a special award.
Earl Wilson's Professional Football Career
Earl Wilson played professional football for several years. He started his career in Canada. Later, he moved to play in the United States.
Playing in the Canadian Football League (CFL)
Earl Wilson joined the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played 11 games for them in 1982. During that season, he made 4.5 sacks. A sack is when a defensive player tackles the opposing team's quarterback.
In 1983, Earl played in all 16 games. He had 7.5 sacks and recovered two fumbles. A fumble recovery is when a player picks up a ball that the other team dropped. The Argonauts had a great year in 1983. They finished with 12 wins and only 4 losses.
The team made it to the 71st Grey Cup championship game. They played against the BC Lions and won! This was Toronto's first Grey Cup win in 31 years. Earl was a defensive tackle while playing in the CFL. He played 14 games in 1984. That year, he recorded five sacks and two more fumble recoveries.
Time with the San Diego Chargers (NFL)
Earl Wilson then moved to the National Football League (NFL). He signed with the San Diego Chargers on April 10, 1985. In his first season with the Chargers, he played in all 16 games. He started nine of those games. Earl had three sacks and one fumble recovery in 1985.
He played in all 16 games again in 1986. He started six games that season. Earl made 5.5 sacks for the Chargers in 1986. He became a free agent after that season. However, he re-signed with the team on August 17, 1987. Earl started the first game of the 1987 season. He was released by the team on September 16, 1987. During his time in the NFL, Earl mainly played as a defensive end.
