Larry Wilson

The Ultimate Ball Hawk and The Heart of the Cardinals’ Defense

When it comes to pure playmaking safeties, few names in NFL history stand as tall as Larry Wilson. A Hall of Famer, defensive mastermind, and the inventor of the safety blitz, Wilson revolutionized the way safeties played, becoming one of the most feared and respected defenders of his era. His hard-hitting, instinctual playstyle and ability to turn defense into offense made him a game-changing force on every snap.

Wilson wasn’t just a great safety—he was a defensive innovator, a fearless leader, and a franchise icon for the St. Louis Cardinals, spending his entire 13-year career (1960-1972) with the team. Despite playing for a franchise that never won a championship during his tenure, Wilson’s individual greatness transcended the team's struggles, earning him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and solidifying his status as one of the greatest safeties ever.

This collection honors Larry Wilson, the gritty, game-changing, and revolutionary defensive back who set the standard for future generations of safeties.

Larry Wilson’s Legendary Career by the Numbers

Wilson’s impact on the game cannot be measured solely by statistics, but his numbers are still legendary.

Career Statistics & Achievements (1960–1972)

Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1978)
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1966)
Eight-time Pro Bowler (1962, 1963, 1965–1970)
Five-time First-Team All-Pro (1966–1970)
NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
Career Interceptions: 52
Career Interception Return Yards: 800
Career Interception Return Touchdowns: 5
Most Consecutive Games with an Interception: 7 (NFL Record at Retirement)
First Safety to Revolutionize the Blitz
St. Louis Cardinals Ring of Honor
Played Entire Career with One Team (St. Louis Cardinals)

By the time he retired, Wilson had redefined what it meant to play safety, inspiring generations of defensive backs and creating a blueprint for modern playmakers like Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu, and Tyrann Mathieu.

The Early Years – From Small-Town Kid to College Star

Before he became one of the greatest safeties of all time, Larry Wilson’s path to NFL stardom was anything but guaranteed.

Growing Up in Rigby, Idaho

Born on March 24, 1938, in Rigby, Idaho, Wilson grew up in a small farming town where he developed his relentless work ethic and toughness.
As a natural athlete, he played multiple sports, but his passion for football was unmatched.
Despite being undersized at just 6’0” and 190 pounds, Wilson’s instincts, quickness, and sheer determination made him a dominant high school player.

College Years at Utah – The Unlikely Defensive Star

Wilson attended the University of Utah, where he played both offense and defense.
Despite being one of the most talented players on the team, Wilson was seen as too small for the NFL.
His leadership and toughness stood out, earning him the respect of coaches and teammates.

By the time the 1960 NFL Draft arrived, Wilson wasn’t seen as a high-priority prospect, leading to his selection in the 7th round by the St. Louis Cardinals—a decision that would change the franchise forever.

The St. Louis Cardinals Years – A Defensive Revolution (1960–1972)

Larry Wilson’s arrival in St. Louis marked the beginning of a defensive revolution. Under legendary defensive coach Chuck Drulis, Wilson became the first safety to blitz consistently, changing the way defenses attacked offenses.

The Birth of the Safety Blitz

In an era where safeties were primarily deep defenders, Wilson’s coach, Chuck Drulis, saw his speed, tackling ability, and timing and had a radical idea—send him on blitzes.
Wilson became the first safety in NFL history to blitz regularly, forcing quarterbacks to account for a new kind of defensive pressure.
His explosiveness off the snap and ability to disguise blitzes made him an absolute nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
The strategy worked so well that teams around the league began adopting it, forever changing how safeties were used in defensive schemes.

The 1966 Season – One of the Greatest Defensive Years Ever

By the mid-1960s, Wilson had cemented himself as one of the best defensive backs in football.
In 1966, he led the league with 10 interceptions, earning NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors.
His ability to read plays, jump routes, and create turnovers made him one of the most dangerous players on the field.
Wilson became known for his relentless hustle, always playing at full speed from the first snap to the final whistle.

Playing Through Pain – The Ultimate Toughness

Wilson was not only one of the smartest and most instinctual safeties in NFL history, but he was also one of the toughest.
In one of his most legendary moments, Wilson played an entire game with BOTH hands broken, intercepting a pass with his casts on.
His toughness and willingness to sacrifice his body for the team became legendary among teammates, opponents, and fans alike.

Late Career & Leadership (1968–1972)

Even as he got older, Wilson remained one of the most respected and feared defenders in the league.
He continued to rack up interceptions, deliver punishing hits, and outthink quarterbacks.
By the early 1970s, Wilson transitioned into a leadership role, mentoring younger players and helping the Cardinals’ defense stay competitive.
He played his final season in 1972, walking away as one of the most decorated safeties in football history.

The Post-Retirement Years – A Football Lifelong Commitment

After retiring from playing, Wilson continued to leave his mark on the game.

Cardinals Front Office & Coaching Career

Wilson immediately transitioned into coaching and front office roles, eventually becoming the general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals.
As a coach, scout, and executive, he helped build competitive teams and mentored future defensive stars.
His knowledge of defensive schemes and eye for talent helped shape the Cardinals for years after his retirement.

Hall of Fame & Final Honors

In 1978, Wilson was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, recognized as one of the greatest defensive backs of all time.
He was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, further solidifying his place among the best safeties ever.

Passing & Lasting Legacy

Wilson passed away in 2020, leaving behind a legacy as one of the toughest, smartest, and most innovative safeties in football history.
To this day, he is remembered as one of the best pure ballhawks and defensive leaders in NFL history.

Defining Moments of Wilson’s Career

1960 – Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 7th Round: Begins his legendary career.
1966 – Wins NFL Defensive Player of the Year: One of the best seasons by a safety in history.
1967 – Plays a Game with Both Hands Broken: Proves he is one of the toughest players ever.
1970 – Records His 50th Career Interception: Cementing himself as one of the all-time greats.
1972 – Retires as One of the Greatest Safeties Ever: Walks away from the game as a legend.
1978 – Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Earns football’s highest honor.

A Legacy That Defined the Modern Safety

Larry Wilson wasn’t just one of the best safeties ever—he was the original game-changer at the position.

He redefined what safeties could do, proving they could be blitzers, enforcers, and ballhawks all at once.
His toughness, leadership, and playmaking ability made him the gold standard for defensive backs.
His 52 career interceptions and relentless style of play set the tone for future legends like Ed Reed, Brian Dawkins, and Troy Polamalu.

A Pioneer, A Champion, and One of the Greatest Safeties in NFL History.