He accepted a scholarship to play for Howard University, where he focused on playing wide receiver. As a senior, he set single-season school records for catches (94), receiving yards (1,339), touchdown receptions (12) and kickoff returns (40). He graduated as the school's all-time leading receiver and kick returner.
In 2013, he was inducted into the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference hall of fame.[1] In 2012, he received MEAC/SWAC Challenge Legend honors. He also was inducted into the Black College Hall of Fame.
Professional career
Dallas Cowboys
Wilson was not selected in the 1979 NFL draft and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys. Although he was initially waived on August 14, he was re-signed on August 29 for depth purposes, after Butch Johnson was injured.[2][3] He led the team in punt returns as a rookie.
He was converted into a cornerback in his second season,[4] with 11 starts, 48 tackles, 4 interceptions and 41 passes defensed (led the team).
In 1981, he started 4 games before being replaced with rookie Everson Walls, who received Pro Bowl honors at the end of the season.[5] In 1982, he was moved back to wide receiver before being released on September 3.[6]
In 1983, he started 3 games after injuries to Foley and Dennis Smith, forced the team to make changes in the defensive backfield. In 1985, he started four of the first five games because of injuries and finished with 3 interceptions, 12 passes defensed and a fumble recovery.
In 1987, he started at right cornerback the last 5 regular season games and all the playoff games, including Super Bowl XXII. He was waived on August, 29, 1988,[8] only to be re-signed on September 28,[9] after the team experienced a rash of injuries.[10]
During his time with the Broncos he was a dependable player (missing 4 games) and although he was used primarily as a backup, he was always among the team leaders in interceptions, finishing his career ranked ninth (16) in franchise history.
Coaching career
Wilson led the Howard Bison football team to the Mideastern Athletic Conference and Black College National championship twice (1993, 1996).[11] His 1993 team had an 11-0 record and qualified for the school's first Division I-AA (now FCS) playoff appearance. His coaching record was 78 wins, 67 losses and received MEAC Coach of the Year honors twice (1989, 1993).