Earl Wilson (gridiron football) facts for kids
| No. 58, 93 | |
|---|---|
| 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 September 13, 1958) is a former American football player. He played as a defensive lineman, which means he was a strong player on defense who tried to stop the other team.
Earl Wilson played for two major football leagues. He spent three seasons with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He also played three seasons with the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League (NFL). Before playing professionally, he played college football at the University of Kentucky. A big highlight of his career was winning the 71st Grey Cup with the Toronto Argonauts.
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About Earl Wilson's Early Life and College Years
Earl Wilson was born on September 13, 1958. His hometown is Long Branch, New Jersey. When he was in high school, he went to Atlantic City High School in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
After high school, Earl Wilson played college football for the Kentucky Wildcats. This team is part of the University of Kentucky. He played for them from 1976 to 1980. He was recognized as a "letterman" in 1977, 1978, and 1980. Being a letterman means he earned a special award for playing well in a varsity sport.
Earl Wilson's Professional Football Career
Earl Wilson started his professional career in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He joined the Toronto Argonauts in 1982.
Playing for the Toronto Argonauts (CFL)
In 1982, Wilson played in 11 games for the Argonauts. He made 4.5 "sacks," which means he tackled the opposing team's quarterback behind the line of scrimmage.
The 1983 season was a big one for Earl Wilson and the Argonauts. He played in all 16 games that year. He recorded 7.5 sacks and recovered the ball twice after the other team fumbled it. The Argonauts had a great season, winning 12 games and losing only 4.
They made it to the 71st Grey Cup, which is the championship game of the CFL. The Argonauts won the Grey Cup by beating the BC Lions. This was Toronto's first Grey Cup win in 31 years!
In 1984, Wilson played in 14 games for the Argonauts. He added five more sacks and two fumble recoveries. During his time in the CFL, he played as a defensive tackle.
Playing for 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 NFL season in 1985, he played in all 16 games. He started nine of those games. He made three sacks and recovered one fumble.
In 1986, he played in all 16 games again, starting six of them. He had 5.5 sacks that season. After the 1986 season, he became a free agent, meaning he could sign with any team. However, he re-signed with the Chargers on August 17, 1987.
Wilson started the first game of the 1987 season. He was released by the team on September 16, 1987. In the NFL, he mainly played as a defensive end.
