Larry Wilson’s brilliant 13-year NFL career came to an end on December 17,1972, in the season finale at Busch Stadium, and he went out a winner as the Cardinals defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 24-23.

“I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,” said the Rigby, Idaho native, as he peeled his legendary #8 jersey off his back.

Wilson grimaced as he undressed, the result of a cracked rib that he suffered while tackling Eagles wide receiver Harold Carmichael.

“It’s alright,” he said. “There’s nothing to a cracked rib.”

Then he reflected on the last game of his career.

“I’ve got mixed feelings. I’m sad, and yet I’m happy.”

“You can see what’s happened to me through the years,” he said. “I’ve gotten old. I had a guy all set up for an interception today and I was a step too late. I came in once on the safety blitz and got there just after he (John Reaves) threw the ball.”

A reporter asked Wilson to explain how he was able to drag down the 22-year old Carmichael from behind if he had “gotten old.”

“I guess he (Carmichael) doesn’t have any speed either,” Wilson said.

Wilson, uncomfortable talking about himself, preferred to talk about other people and the game itself. He pointed around the room to his teammates.

“These guys are great to play with. Most of them were hurt. They could have said, ‘I’m injured. I can’t play today.’ But that’s not what the business is all about.”

The Big Red crowd showed the franchise leader in interceptions (52) their appreciation, greeting him with a standing ovation as he was presented with a game ball on the field.

“It made me think just how happy I was,” Wilson said. “It made me think how nice so many people had been to me.”

Although Wilson didn’t like talking about himself, his teammates and opponents had plenty to say.

“Most of us talked about it,” said rookie linebacker Mark Arneson. “And even if it wasn’t said, everybody wanted to win the last game for Larry. We were all conscious of it.”

I almost cried when he was hurt, and the fans started chanting, ‘Wilson, Wilson, Wilson.’ It was really moving.”

Eagles center Mike Evans spoke to Wilson after the game.

“I just congratulated him and wished him the best of everything in life. He’s been a great competitor all his career. He always plays his hardest no matter what the situation. He deserves every bit of recognition he gets.”

“I’ve always had a lot of respect for him,” Eagles quarterback John Reaves said.

“It may sound corny,” said Cardinal defensive tackle Bob Rowe, “but I personally dedicated this game to Larry. I wanted to show him how much I think of him.

“We have a lot of great ball players on this team. We lost one of them today. He’s going to be hard to replace.”