Nate Wright is a former NFL cornerback who played for the Minnesota Vikings during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Known for his speed and coverage skills, Wright was an important part of the Vikings’ secondary during a time when the team was consistently competitive.
Early Life and College Career
Full Name: Nathaniel Wright
Born: August 6, 1954
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
High School:
- Wright attended Verbum Dei High School in Los Angeles, California, where he was a standout athlete and began developing his skills as a football player.
College:
- Wright played college football at USC (University of Southern California), where he was known for his athleticism, speed, and ability to cover receivers.
- At USC, he played alongside future NFL stars and helped his team to strong seasons. Wright was a First-Team All-Pac-8 selection during his college career, which helped raise his profile for the NFL Draft.
NFL Career
NFL Draft:
- Wright was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 5th round of the 1976 NFL Draft (122nd overall pick).
Minnesota Vikings (1976–1982)
- Cornerback:
- Wright played for the Minnesota Vikings for 7 seasons (1976–1982). He was part of a strong secondary that included notable players like Paul Krause and Terry Brown.
- Known for his speed and ability to cover wide receivers, Wright was often used in man-to-man coverage situations, especially against the league’s top receivers. His ability to break up passes and create turnovers made him a valuable asset to the team.
- Key Contributions:
- One of Wright’s main strengths was his ability to cover ground quickly, which helped him track receivers downfield and make plays on the ball.
- He was a key part of the Vikings’ defense, helping the team maintain its reputation as one of the top defensive squads in the NFL during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
- Wright was known for his ability to get in the way of passes, often breaking up passes or causing interceptions by being in the right place at the right time.
- Vikings Success:
- Wright played for the Vikings during one of their most successful periods in franchise history, which included multiple playoff appearances and an appearance in Super Bowl XI (1977), where the Vikings lost to the Oakland Raiders.
- Although Wright’s individual statistics may not have been the most eye-catching, his work as part of the team’s secondary was essential to the Vikings’ success on defense.
Retirement
- After the 1982 season, Wright retired from the NFL. He left behind a legacy as a reliable and fast cornerback who played a key role in the Vikings’ defense throughout his career.
Post-NFL Life
- After retiring, Wright lived a relatively quiet life, remaining out of the public spotlight but staying involved in his community. Like many former players, he enjoyed spending time with family and engaging in various activities outside of professional football.
Legacy
- Minnesota Vikings:
- Wright is remembered as a solid contributor to the Minnesota Vikings‘ defense during the late 1970s and early 1980s. While he may not have been as famous as some of the team’s other stars, his coverage skills and consistency in the secondary helped make the Vikings’ defense formidable during that era.
- NFL:
- Wright’s career was marked by his contributions to a tough, competitive Vikings team that regularly made deep playoff runs, and he is remembered as one of the strong, underappreciated cornerbacks of his time.
Summary
- Position: Cornerback
- NFL Team: Minnesota Vikings (1976–1982)
- Career Length: 7 seasons
- Key Contributions: Pass coverage, speed, solid secondary play
- Super Bowl Appearance: Super Bowl XI (1977)
- Legacy: Known for his speed and pass coverage, Wright played an integral role in the Minnesota Vikings’ defense during a competitive era for the team.
Though Nate Wright may not be one of the most well-known players in Minnesota Vikings history, his contributions as a cornerback in the 1970s and early 1980s were a key part of the team’s defensive success.