David Carlton Wilson (born April 27, 1959) is a former professional American football player who played with the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL) from 1981 to 1989. A quarterback from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Wilson was selected by the Saints with the first selection of the 1981 supplemental draft.
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| Position: | Quarterback | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born: | April 27, 1959 Anaheim, California, U.S. | ||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 206 lb (93 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Anaheim (CA) Katella | ||||||||
| College: | Illinois | ||||||||
| Supplemental draft: | 1981 / round: 1 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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College career
editWilson attended Katella High School in Anaheim, California. He had a reputation for a strong arm and quick release, when he received a scholarship from the University of Illinois in the Big Ten Conference. Wilson had many issues with his NCAA eligibility due to some issues with his transcripts.[1]
The highlight of Wilson's career was in 1980 against Ohio State on November 8, when he threw for 621 yards,[2][3] an NCAA record that lasted eight years.
Professional career
editOnce again, eligibility issues forced Wilson to declare himself eligible for the supplemental draft on July 7.[1] The New Orleans Saints under new head coach Bum Phillips took him with the first pick of that years draft [4][5][6] as the heir apparent to longtime starter Archie Manning.
Torn ligaments in his left knee incurred in a preseason game on August 12, 1982, required surgery and ended his year;[7][8] it affected his mobility for the rest of his career. Wilson spent his entire career with the Saints, until his retirement prior to the 1990 season. Most of his playing time came during the 1985 and 1986 seasons, when he started ten and thirteen games, respectively.
Later life and family
editWilson is currently a scout for NFL Pro Scouts in southern California. He has two sons, who both play football.
References
edit- ^ a b "Judge indicates Wilson not likely to win case". Toledo Blade. (Ohio). Associated Press. June 25, 1981. p. 33.
- ^ "Wilson, Schlicter shatter records". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). wire service reports. November 9, 1980. p. 6B.
- ^ "Illinois' Wilson passes for 621 yard". Reading Eagle. (Pennsylvania). UPI. November 9, 1980. p. 92.
- ^ "Saints decide Wilson worth first-round pick". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). Associated Press. July 8, 1981. p. 5E.
- ^ "Saints select Wilson in first round". Toledo Blade. (Ohio). Associated Press. July 8, 1981. p. 22.
- ^ AP sports staff, "Saints Draft Wilson," Observer-Reporter, July 8, 1981
- ^ "Neilsen keys Houston win". Reading Eagle. (Pennsylvania). wire services. August 13, 1982. p. 27.
- ^ "Football: Dave Wilson". Tuscaloosa News. (Alabama). Associated Press. August 14, 1982. p. 10.
External links
edit- Career statistics from NFL.com · Pro Football Reference