Players
Events
Quarterback

Wade Wilson

Draft 1981

Number

11

Birthdate

1959-02-01

Is Alive

no

Acquisition Date

1981

Player Bio

Wade Wilson was an American football quarterback who played in the NFL for 17 seasons, most notably with the Minnesota Vikings. Known for his leadership and solid play as a backup and starting quarterback, Wilson had a long and impactful career, contributing both as a player and later as a coach.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Wade Franklin Wilson
Born: January 1, 1960, in Dallas, Texas
High School: Wilson attended Carter High School in Dallas, where he was a standout athlete in football.

College:

  • Wilson played college football at East Texas State University (now Texas A&M-Commerce), where he had a successful career as the team’s starting quarterback.
  • He helped lead the team to notable victories and was known for his passing accuracy and leadership. Wilson’s strong college performance made him an appealing prospect for NFL teams.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

  • Wilson was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 8th round (214th overall) of the 1981 NFL Draft.

Dallas Cowboys (1981–1988)

  • Wilson started his career with the Dallas Cowboys, primarily as a backup quarterback. He spent several seasons learning behind Cowboys starter Danny White and gained valuable experience while playing in a backup role.
  • He was a part of the Cowboys’ Super Bowl-winning team in 1982, although he did not start in the game.

Minnesota Vikings (1989–1996)

  • Wilson found more success after joining the Minnesota Vikings in 1989.
  • He was signed by the Vikings to serve as a backup quarterback but quickly became the starting quarterback.
  • During the early 1990s, Wilson was a reliable signal-caller for the Vikings, known for his leadership and ability to manage games.
  • His most productive season came in 1992, when he started 13 games and led the Vikings to a playoff appearance. Wilson threw for 3,213 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions that season.
  • Although never a Pro Bowl-level talent, Wilson was a steady quarterback for the Vikings, often playing in a system that emphasized a strong running game.
  • He had a reputation for being a tough, durable player who could manage games effectively and help his teams stay competitive.

Atlanta Falcons (1997)

  • Wilson briefly played for the Atlanta Falcons in 1997, where he served as a backup to Chris Chandler and did not see significant playing time.

Washington Football Team (1998)

  • Wilson’s career continued with a short stint with the Washington Football Team in 1998, where he again played a backup role but did not appear in many games.

Minnesota Vikings (2000–2004)

  • Wilson returned to the Minnesota Vikings for the final years of his playing career.
  • He played as a backup quarterback to Daunte Culpepper and contributed as a mentor to the young starter. Wilson helped guide the Vikings’ offense during his tenure, serving as a trusted veteran presence.

Retirement

  • Wade Wilson retired from the NFL after the 2004 season, having played 17 seasons in total.

Coaching Career

  • After retiring as a player, Wilson transitioned into coaching. He served as a quarterback coach for several NFL teams, including the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings.
  • Wilson was known for his ability to develop quarterbacks and his emphasis on fundamentals, including accuracy and decision-making.
  • He worked with a variety of quarterbacks, including the development of future stars like Tony Romo with the Cowboys. His coaching career was a continuation of his legacy in the NFL as a quarterback mentor.

Playing Style and Strengths

  • Leadership: Wilson was known for his leadership on and off the field. As a veteran, he was highly regarded for his ability to help develop younger quarterbacks and support his team with poise.
  • Game Management: While Wilson was never known for dazzling with spectacular plays, he was excellent at managing games, keeping turnovers low, and making the right decisions.
  • Durability: Wilson was a durable player who spent the majority of his career in a backup role but was trusted as a starter when needed.
  • Accuracy: He was known for his passing accuracy, especially in the short and intermediate game.
  • Football IQ: Wilson had a high football IQ and could read defenses effectively. He wasn’t known for having the strongest arm, but his mental preparation and understanding of the game were key strengths.

Career Achievements and Legacy

  • NFL Career:
    • Games Played: Wilson played in 132 career games, starting 58 of them.
    • Career Passing Yards: Over 16,000 yards
    • Career Touchdowns: 93 touchdowns
    • Super Bowl Champion: While Wilson was part of the Cowboys during their Super Bowl XVI win, he was not a primary contributor to that championship.
    • Vikings Impact: Wilson is best remembered for his role with the Minnesota Vikings, where he helped keep the team competitive during the early 1990s and later served as a mentor for young quarterbacks.
  • Coaching Legacy: Wilson left a lasting impact on the quarterbacks he coached, including helping Tony Romo develop into one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks with the Dallas Cowboys.

Summary

  • Position: Quarterback
  • NFL Teams: Dallas Cowboys (1981–1988), Minnesota Vikings (1989–1996, 2000–2004), Atlanta Falcons (1997), Washington Football Team (1998)
  • NFL Draft: 8th round (214th overall) in 1981
  • Career Stats:
    • Passing Yards: 16,169 yards
    • Touchdowns: 93 touchdowns
    • Games Played: 132 games
    • Games Started: 58 games
  • Coaching Career: After retiring, Wilson served as a quarterback coach for the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings.

Wade Wilson’s legacy as both a player and coach is one of consistent professionalism. As a quarterback, he was a steady leader, and his coaching helped shape future NFL talent. Wilson may not have been a superstar, but his contributions to his teams and his mentoring of quarterbacks like Tony Romo solidified his place in NFL history.