From a seventh-round draft pick to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Larry Frank Wilson played the game with sheer determination, guts, and maximum effort. He played 13 seasons with the Cardinals, earning 8 Pro Bowl selections and being named to 5 All-Pro teams. He is a member of the 1960s All-Decade Team and remains the organization’s all-time leader with 52 interceptions.

EARLY LIFE

Wilson was born and raised in Rigby, Idaho, where he faced adversity as a youngster. His mother died of spinal meningitis when he was just ten years old and his father was a truck driver, so Larry helped rear his younger brother, John. As a teen, Larry worked ten-hour days harvesting potatoes, but his father encouraged him to play sports. Larry was a tremendous all-around athlete, earning 16 letters in high school. He broke the state high jump record and was a very good baseball and basketball player.