Adrian Wilson is a former American football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade. He was born on October 12, 1979, in High Point, North Carolina, and attended North Carolina State University, where he played college football for the Wolfpack.
Wilson was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a key player on the Cardinals' defense, earning a reputation as one of the hardest-hitting safeties in the league. He was named to the Pro Bowl five times during his career, in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.
Throughout his career, Wilson was known for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions on defense. He was equally adept at stopping the run and defending against the pass, and he was often used as a blitzer, recording 25.5 sacks over the course of his career.
In addition to his on-field success, Wilson was also a respected leader in the locker room. He was named a team captain by the Cardinals in 2009 and held that role for several seasons. He was also active in the community, participating in numerous charitable events and initiatives throughout his career.
After spending his entire career with the Cardinals, Wilson was released by the team in 2013. He signed with the New England Patriots later that year but was released before the start of the regular season. He then signed with the Chicago Bears in 2014 but was released during the preseason.
Following his retirement from football, Wilson remained involved in the sport as a coach. He served as a defensive backs coach for the Arizona Cardinals in 2017 and 2018 before joining the Houston Texans as their defensive backs coach in 2019.
Overall, Adrian Wilson had a successful career in the NFL, earning numerous accolades and establishing himself as one of the league's top safeties. He was a key contributor to the Arizona Cardinals' success during the 2000s and remains a beloved figure among the team's fans.
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