Former Utah Ute, NFL Cardinal Larry Wilson Passes Away

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former Utah football and NFL safety Larry Wilson passed away, according to a statement from the Arizona Cardinals.

Larry Wilson played for the University of Utah football team from 1956-1960. He started on both sides of the ball, at cornerback and at halfback under two head coaches – Jack Curtice and Ray Nagel.

Wilson was born and attended high school in Rigby, Idaho. He lived from 1938-2020.

Cardinals Owner Michael Bidwill on the passing of Larry Wilson: pic.twitter.com/iYhnAaNxrk

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 18, 2020

“He was someone who truly lived his faith and demonstrated it daily in the kindness he showed every single person he met,” read part of a statement from Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill.

Between being a player, a coach and an executive, Wilson had a long and successful career in the NFL. He played for the (formerly) St. Louis Cardinals from 1960-1972.

One of the greatest players on the field, and one of the greatest people off of it.

Thank you for everything, Larry. You will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/uIDtXTmAYF

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 18, 2020

Following his playing career he served as both a defensive backs coach and an interim head coach. He served in multiple executive roles during the team’s move from St. Louis to Arizona.

He finished out his career as the Vice President and General manager of the Arizona Cardinals.

“I will remember Larry first as a fantastic person but then obviously as one of the greatest players the National Football League has ever seen,” Bidwill continued in the statement.

During his NFL career, Wilson went to the pro-bowl eight times and was honored as the NFL’s defensive player of the year in 1966.