NFL, Tennessee Volunteers Football NEWS
Former Vols LB Al Wilson Retires From NFL
Published by MoonDog on September 11, 2008
Al Wilson
Al Wilson, one of the key members of the Tennessee Volunteers 1998 national championship team and a five-time Pro Bowler officially announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday.
Wilson suffered a neck injury in 2006 that effectively ended his career. The first round draft pick of the Denver Broncos in 1999, Wilson played eight seasons in the NFL, all in Denver. The Broncos traded him to the New York Giants in 2007, but the trade was voided when Wilson failed the physical.
“I thank all my fans from my high school and college days in Tennessee on into my time in the NFL and Denver for their continued love and support throughout the years,” Wilson said on the JOCKlife.com Web site.
“I was truly blessed to play the game I love and I am forever grateful to those that believed and entrusted in me. Playing for my fans and my teammates made the game of football everything to me.”
Wilson finished his career with 712 tackles, 21.5 sacks, five interceptions and eight forced fumbles.
“He meant so much to this organization,” Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. “I really enjoyed all the years he spent with us – hate to see him go. He gave it everything he had every day.”
Al Wilson Looks For Prey
Wilson was born June 21, 1977 in Jackson, Tennessee and was a nationally ranked prep linebacker at Jackson Central-Merry High School. He accepted a scholarship to attend the University of Tennessee in 1995 and became one of the most beloved players in Volunteer history.
Wilson was a team captain during the 1997 and 1998 seasons in which the Vols won consecutive SEC titles. He was the inspirational leader of the Volunteers defense and played a key role in helping Tennessee win the BCS national championship in 1998.
Wilson was named to the All-American team in 1998 and is credited with helping to develop fellow Vols linebackers Eric Westmoreland and Raynoch Thompson.
While his career ended abruptly and unceremoniously, Al Wilson epitomized what a football player should be. His passion for the game was unequaled and he will forever be remembered in Tennessee Volunteers football history.
Wilson will always be my personal favorite because when I close my eyes and envision a football player, I see Al Wilson.
Check out these two related posts from TSIB and Curveballs For Jesus.
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