Al Wilson

2025-10-03T03:13:58Z

2600:100B:B134:F649:4D8F:4B42:5406:C815:

{{Short description|American football player (born 1977)}}
{{about|the NFL football player|other people of the same name|Al Wilson (disambiguation)}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Al Wilson
| image = Al Wilson of the Denver Broncos (2006-11-19).jpg
| alt =
| caption = Wilson with the [[Denver Broncos]] in 2006
| position = [[Linebacker]]
| number = 56
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1977|6|21|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[Jackson, Tennessee]], U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 0
| weight_lbs = 240
| high_school = [[Jackson Central-Merry High School|Jackson Central-Merry]] (Jackson)
| college = [[Tennessee Volunteers football|Tennessee]]
| draftyear = 1999
| draftround = 1
| draftpick = 31
| pastteams = * [[Denver Broncos]] ({{NFL Year|1999}}–{{NFL Year|2006}})
| highlights = * First-team [[All-Pro]] ([[2005 All-Pro Team|2005]])
* Second-team All-Pro ([[2006 All-Pro Team|2006]])
* 5× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[2002 Pro Bowl|2001]]–[[2004 Pro Bowl|2003]], [[2006 Pro Bowl|2005]], [[2007 Pro Bowl|2006]])
* [[BCS national champion]] ([[1999 Fiesta Bowl|1998]])
* Consensus [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[1998 College Football All-America Team|1998]])
* 2× First-team [[List of All-SEC football teams|All-SEC]] ([[1997 All-SEC football team|1997]], [[1998 All-SEC football team|1998]])
| statlabel1 = [[Tackle (football move)|Total tackles]]
| statvalue1 = 723
| statlabel2 = [[Quarterback sack|Sacks]]
| statvalue2 = 21.5
| statlabel3 = [[Fumble|Forced fumbles]]
| statvalue3 = 8
| statlabel4 = [[Fumble|Fumble recoveries]]
| statvalue4 = 7
| statlabel5 = [[Interceptions]]
| statvalue5 = 5
| statlabel6 = [[Touchdown|Defensive touchdowns]]
| statvalue6 = 1
| pfr = WilsAl00
}}

'''Aldra Kauwa Wilson''' (born June 21, 1977) is an American former professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[linebacker]] for eight seasons with the [[Denver Broncos]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played [[college football]] for the [[Tennessee Volunteers football|Tennessee Volunteers]], earning consensus [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] honors. Wilson was selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the [[1999 NFL draft]], and played his entire professional career for the Broncos. He was a five-time [[Pro Bowl]] selection and a two-time [[All-Pro]] selection.

==Early life==
Wilson was born in [[Jackson, Tennessee|Jackson]], [[Tennessee]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rexrode |first=Joe |date=July 28, 2022 |title=Tennessee's recruitment of Al Wilson was a wild ride with long-lasting rewards |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3452288/2022/07/28/tennessee-recruiting-al-wilson/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811125110/https://theathletic.com/3452288/2022/07/28/tennessee-recruiting-al-wilson/ |archive-date=August 11, 2022 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=The Athletic |language=en}}</ref> He was an [[All-America]]n performer at [[Jackson Central-Merry High School]] in Jackson,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shields |first=Brandon |date=January 30, 2017 |title=REMEMBER: Top signees of recent years |url=http://www.jacksonsun.com/story/sports/college/football/2017/01/30/remember-top-signees-recent-years/97246272/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225045433/https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/sports/college/football/2017/01/30/remember-top-signees-recent-years/97246272/ |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |access-date=July 30, 2017 |website=The Jackson Sun}}</ref> as named by BlueChip Illustrated, Max Emfinger, SuperPrep, and recruiting analyst [[Tom Lemming]]. In addition, he was named to the Tennessee all-state team. Wilson was both a [[linebacker]] and [[running back]] at Jackson Central-Merry, rushing for 1,160 yards and 15 touchdowns in his senior season. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in three seasons in [[high school football|high school]], two as a running back and one as a [[quarterback]]. In addition to football, he starred in [[Track and field|track]] and [[basketball]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Wilson |url=http://tshf.net/halloffame/al-wilson/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731000234/http://tshf.net/halloffame/al-wilson/ |archive-date=July 31, 2017 |access-date=July 30, 2017 |website=Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame}}</ref>

==College career==
Wilson attended the [[University of Tennessee]], and played for coach [[Phillip Fulmer]]'s [[Tennessee Volunteers football]] team from 1995 to 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Wilson – Football |url=https://utsports.com/sports/football/roster/al-wilson/15634 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225045428/https://utsports.com/sports/football/roster/al-wilson/15634 |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=University of Tennessee Athletics |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Wilson College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/al-wilson-2.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010025838/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/al-wilson-2.html |archive-date=October 10, 2022 |access-date=February 24, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He was a [[team captain]] on the [[1998 Tennessee Volunteers football team|1998 Tennessee team]]<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Ray |first=Matt |date=June 21, 2021 |title=Watch: Vols Release Al Wilson Highlight Video For Legendary LB's Birthday |url=https://www.si.com/college/tennessee/football/watch-vols-release-al-wilson-highlight-video-for-legendary-lbs-birthday |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723203246/https://www.si.com/college/tennessee/football/watch-vols-release-al-wilson-highlight-video-for-legendary-lbs-birthday |archive-date=July 23, 2021 |access-date=February 24, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> that won the [[NCAA Division I-A national football championship|National Championship]] in the [[1999 Fiesta Bowl|Fiesta Bowl]] over [[1998 Florida State Seminoles football team|Florida State]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=28th Annual Fiesta Bowl – Fiesta Bowl |url=https://fiestabowl.org/game-history/fiesta-bowl/28th-annual-fiesta-bowl/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412034536/https://fiestabowl.org/game-history/fiesta-bowl/28th-annual-fiesta-bowl/ |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |access-date=July 30, 2017 |website=Fiesta Bowl}}</ref> and back-to-back [[Southeastern Conference]] (SEC) championships in the [[1997 SEC Championship Game|1997]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sallee |first=Barrett |date=August 24, 2012 |title=Classic SEC Football: Tennessee Tops Auburn in the 1997 SEC Championship Game |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1309971-classic-sec-football-tennessee-tops-auburn-in-the-1997-sec-championship-game |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826024546/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1309971-classic-sec-football-tennessee-tops-auburn-in-the-1997-sec-championship-game |archive-date=August 26, 2012 |access-date=July 30, 2017 |website=[[Bleacher Report]]}}</ref> and [[1998 SEC Championship Game|1998 season]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tennessee vs. Miss. State – SEC Championship 1998 Season |url=http://smokeys-trail.com/98/game12.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801182600/http://smokeys-trail.com/98/game12.html |archive-date=August 1, 2017 |access-date=July 30, 2017 |website=Smokey's Trail}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 8, 2023 |title=SEC Football Championship |url=https://www.secsports.com/article/11037746/championship-football |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116194058/https://www.secsports.com/article/11037746/championship-football |archive-date=November 16, 2022 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=SEC Sports}}</ref> Wilson was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American in 1998 after being a three-year [[Starting lineup|starter]] for the Volunteers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Consensus All-America Teams (1990–1999) |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/all-america-1990-1999.html#1998 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325232854/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/all-america-1990-1999.html#1998 |archive-date=March 25, 2018 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Wilson was known for his leadership.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hooker |first=Dave |date=August 23, 2018 |title=Al Wilson: The heart, soul and enforcer on Tennessee's 1998 championship team |url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/tennessee-football/tennessee-1998-national-champions-al-wilson/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123055329/https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/tennessee-football/tennessee-1998-national-champions-al-wilson/ |archive-date=January 23, 2021 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=Saturday Down South |language=en-US}}</ref> For his efforts on the field, on December 7, 2021, Wilson was inducted into the [[National Football Foundation]]'s [[College Football Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Wilson (2021) – Hall of Fame |url=https://footballfoundation.org/hof_search.aspx?hof=2477 |access-date=February 24, 2023 |website=Football Foundation}}</ref>

==Professional career==
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 5
| height in = 11 3/4
| weight = 239
| dash = 4.56
| ten split = 1.60
| twenty split = 2.64
| shuttle = 4.25
| cone drill = 7.31
| vertical = 33.0
| broad ft = 9
| broad in = 8
| bench = 17
| arm span = 31 1/2
| hand span = 8 3/4
| note = All values from [[NFL Combine]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Wilson, Combine Results, ILB – Tennessee |url=https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=5027 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202212318/https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=5027 |archive-date=December 2, 2022 |access-date=December 2, 2022 |website=nflcombineresults.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1999 Draft Scout Al Wilson, Tennessee NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile |url=http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=2066&DraftYear=1999 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202212319/http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=2066&DraftYear=1999 |archive-date=December 2, 2022 |access-date=December 2, 2022 |website=draftscout.com}}</ref>
}}

Wilson was drafted after his final year at Tennessee as the 31st pick in the first round of the [[1999 NFL draft]] and signed to the Denver Broncos due to the assistance of super agent [[Tank Black]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1999 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1999/draft.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103003244/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1999/draft.htm |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |access-date=February 24, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Wayne |date=October 10, 2009 |title=Tank Black: Book Details The Story Of His Rise To Riches, & Fall Of Empire |url=https://www.greenevillesun.com/sports/tank-black-book-details-the-story-of-his-rise-to-riches-fall-of-empire/article_70db7ead-1f5c-5ba3-ab14-f63a8788749d.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225045438/https://www.greenevillesun.com/sports/tank-black-book-details-the-story-of-his-rise-to-riches-fall-of-empire/article_70db7ead-1f5c-5ba3-ab14-f63a8788749d.html |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=Greeneville Publishing Company |language=en}}</ref>

===Denver Broncos===

Over the course of his professional career, Wilson was the anchor of the Broncos' defense. Wilson made his NFL debut against the [[1999 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]] in the Broncos' 1999 season opener.<ref name="1999gl" /> He recorded his first sack in Week 5 against the [[1999 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – October 10th, 1999 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199910100rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022134828/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199910100rai.htm |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |access-date=February 24, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He finished the 1999 season with 77 total tackles, four passes defended, and two forced fumbles.<ref name="1999gl">{{Cite web |title=Al Wilson 1999 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsAl00/gamelog/1999 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802182801/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsAl00/gamelog/1999 |archive-date=August 2, 2017 |access-date=July 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]}}</ref> In his second season, he had five sacks, 61 total tackles, three interceptions, and eight passes defended in 15 games of the 2000 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Wilson 2000 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsAl00/gamelog/2000/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622055118/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsAl00/gamelog/2000/ |archive-date=June 22, 2016 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Wilson had three sacks, 85 total tackles, and five passes defended in the 2001 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Wilson 2001 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsAl00/gamelog/2001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622090747/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsAl00/gamelog/2001/ |archive-date=June 22, 2016 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He earned his first Pro Bowl nomination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2001/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925133152/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2001/probowl.htm |archive-date=September 25, 2022 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the 2002 season, Wilson had five sacks, 132 total tackles (100 solo), four passes defended, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Wilson 2002 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsAl00/gamelog/2002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622024935/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsAl00/gamelog/2002/ |archive-date=June 22, 2016 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He led the team in tackles and earned his second Pro Bowl nomination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2002.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007210940/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2002.htm |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2002/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213063917/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2002/probowl.htm |archive-date=February 13, 2021 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the 2003 season, Wilson led the Broncos in tackles for the second consecutive year with 88.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Wilson 2003 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsAl00/gamelog/2003/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622031740/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsAl00/gamelog/2003/ |archive-date=June 22, 2016 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 Denver Broncos Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2003.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802182806/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2003.htm |archive-date=August 2, 2017 |access-date=July 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]]}}</ref> He earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl nomination for his performance in the 2003 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2003/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327184626/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2003/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In Week 11 of the 2004 season, against the [[2004 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]], Wilson had a seven-yard pick six for his first NFL touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at New Orleans Saints – November 21st, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200411210nor.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005182345/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200411210nor.htm |archive-date=October 5, 2022 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the 2004 season, Wilson had 2.5 sacks, 105 total tackles, two interceptions, five passes defended, and two forced fumbles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Wilson 2004 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsAl00/gamelog/2004/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621232859/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsAl00/gamelog/2004/ |archive-date=June 21, 2016 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Wilson earned a fourth Pro Bowl nomination for his 2005 season, where he had three sacks, 73 total tackles, nine passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2005.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210190035/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2005.htm |archive-date=February 10, 2023 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Wilson 2005 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsAl00/gamelog/2005/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622034703/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsAl00/gamelog/2005/ |archive-date=June 22, 2016 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 4 against the [[2005 Jacksonville Jaguars|Jacksonville Jaguars]], where he had two forced fumbles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 NFL Week 4 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/week_4.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322081852/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/week_4.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at Jacksonville Jaguars – October 2nd, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200510020jax.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120183630/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200510020jax.htm |archive-date=January 20, 2023 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He was named as a first team All-Pro for 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/allpro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111103054302/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/allpro.htm |archive-date=November 3, 2011 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

On December 3, 2006, Wilson suffered a neck injury during a fake field goal attempt against the [[2006 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]] during the ''Sunday Night Football'' game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Klis |first=Mike |last2=Williamson |first2=Bill |date=December 3, 2006 |title=Wilson's injury shakes team |url=http://www.denverpost.com/2006/12/03/wilsons-injury-shakes-team/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730230916/http://www.denverpost.com/2006/12/03/wilsons-injury-shakes-team/ |archive-date=July 30, 2017 |access-date=July 30, 2017 |website=The Denver Post}}</ref> He was carted off the field and immediately taken to a hospital, but was cleared by the Denver Broncos to return the following week to help Denver try to make the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2006 |title=Broncos defensive leader Wilson hurt, taken to hospital |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2685381 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224215055/https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2685381 |archive-date=February 24, 2023 |access-date=February 24, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lattimore-Volkmann |first=Laurie |last2=Ahrnsbrak |first2=Derek G. |date=October 21, 2016 |title=Al 'Smoke Dog' Wilson deserves a future statue in the Ring of Fame |url=https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/10/21/13357294/it-s-time-for-al-wilson-denver-broncos-to-mend-their-rift |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524022726/https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/10/21/13357294/it-s-time-for-al-wilson-denver-broncos-to-mend-their-rift |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |access-date=February 24, 2023 |website=Mile High Report |language=en}}</ref> Wilson led the team in tackles with 102 in the 2006 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Wilson 2006 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsAl00/gamelog/2006/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622092020/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsAl00/gamelog/2006/ |archive-date=June 22, 2016 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 Denver Broncos Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2006.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205123442/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/2006.htm |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He earned his fifth Pro Bowl nomination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322081740/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The Denver Broncos signed many free agents during the 2007 offseason, such as running back [[Travis Henry]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Corbett |first=Jim |date=August 31, 2007 |title=Henry eyes trophies in Denver's backfield |url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/broncos/2007-08-30-travis-henry_N.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730235656/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/broncos/2007-08-30-travis-henry_N.htm |archive-date=July 30, 2017 |access-date=July 30, 2017 |website=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> and quarterback [[Patrick Ramsey]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 19, 2007 |title=Broncos sign new backup QB, release former No. 1 pick Courtney Brown |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-03-19-2746462164_x.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730230230/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-03-19-2746462164_x.htm |archive-date=July 30, 2017 |access-date=July 30, 2017 |website=[[USA Today]] |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> resulting in some [[salary cap]] trouble. The Broncos attempted to trade Wilson to the [[New York Giants]], but Wilson failed his physical and the trade talks died down.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williamson |first=Bill |date=November 4, 2008 |title=Former Bronco Wilson loses grievance vs. team |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3681187 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225045501/https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3681187 |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |access-date=February 24, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

Wilson was released by the Denver Broncos on April 13, 2007, due to injuries and salary cap problems.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williamson |first=Bill |date=April 13, 2007 |title=Neck injury halts Wilson |url=http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_5665603 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303234446/http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_5665603 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=February 24, 2023 |website=Denver Post}}</ref>

===Free agency and retirement===
Wilson was cleared to return to resume playing by [[Los Angeles]] back specialist Bob Watkins in January 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clayton |first=John |author-link=John Clayton (sportswriter) |date=January 10, 2008 |title=Ex-Broncos LB Wilson can return from neck woes |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3189580 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225045433/https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3189580 |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> On February 12, he had his first visit of the offseason with the [[Detroit Lions]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zaroo |first=Phillip |date=February 12, 2008 |title=Report: LB Al Wilson to visit Lions |url=http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2008/02/denver_post_lb_al_wilson_to_vi.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730225240/http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2008/02/denver_post_lb_al_wilson_to_vi.html |archive-date=July 30, 2017 |access-date=July 30, 2017 |website=[[Advance Publications]]}}</ref> He also visited the [[Cleveland Browns]] in March,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns checking out LB Al Wilson |url=http://watkinsspine.com/wp-content/uploads/pdfam/al_wilson_cleared_dr_bob_watkins.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816145553/http://watkinsspine.com/wp-content/uploads/pdfam/al_wilson_cleared_dr_bob_watkins.pdf |archive-date=August 16, 2016 |access-date=July 30, 2017 |website=Watkins Spine}}</ref> but he rejected their offer for close to the veteran minimum.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}

Wilson officially announced his retirement from professional football on September 10, 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clayton |first=John |author-link=John Clayton (sportswriter) |date=September 10, 2008 |title=Former Broncos LB Wilson announces retirement |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3579956 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407002000/https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3579956 |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |access-date=February 24, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

==NFL statistics==
===Regular season===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! rowspan="2"| GP
! colspan="4"| Tackles
! colspan="2"| Fumbles
! colspan="6"| Interceptions
|-
! Comb !! Solo !! Ast !! Sack !! FF !! FR !! Int !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! PD
|-
! [[1999 NFL season|1999]] || [[1999 Denver Broncos season|DEN]]
| '''16''' || 71 || 56 || 15 || 1.0 || '''2''' || '''2''' || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 4
|-
! [[2000 NFL season|2000]] || [[2000 Denver Broncos season|DEN]]
| 15 || 60 || 47 || 13 || '''5.0''' || 0 || 0 || '''3''' || '''21''' || 7.0 || '''20''' || 0 || 7
|-
! [[2001 NFL season|2001]] || [[2001 Denver Broncos season|DEN]]
| '''16''' || 85 || 72 || 13 || 3.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 5
|-
! [[2002 NFL season|2002]] || [[2002 Denver Broncos season|DEN]]
| '''16''' || '''131''' || '''99''' || 32 || '''5.0''' || 1 || '''2''' || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 4
|-
! [[2003 NFL season|2003]] || [[2003 Denver Broncos season|DEN]]
| '''16''' || 87 || 69 || 18 || 1.0 || 0 || '''2''' || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 7
|-
! [[2004 NFL season|2004]] || [[2004 Denver Broncos season|DEN]]
| '''16''' || 104 || 71 || '''33''' || 2.5 || '''2''' || 0 || 2 || 17 || '''8.5''' || 10 || '''1''' || 5
|-
! [[2005 NFL season|2005]] || [[2005 Denver Broncos season|DEN]]
| 15 || 72 || 61 || 11 || 3.0 || '''2''' || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || '''8'''
|-
! [[2006 NFL season|2006]] || [[2006 Denver Broncos season|DEN]]
| 15 || 102 || 79 || 23 || 1.0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 4
|-
! colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsAl00/gamelog/ Career] || 125 || 712 || 554 || 158 || 21.5 || 8 || 7 || 5 || 38 || 7.6 || 20 || 1 || 44
|}

===Postseason===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! rowspan="2"| GP
! colspan="4"| Tackles
! colspan="2"| Fumbles
! colspan="6"| Interceptions
|-
! Comb !! Solo !! Ast !! Sack !! FF !! FR !! Int !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! PD
|-
! [[2000–01 NFL playoffs|2000]] || [[2000 Denver Broncos season|DEN]]
| 1 || 6 || 4 || 2 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2003–04 NFL playoffs|2003]] || [[2003 Denver Broncos season|DEN]]
| 1 || 7 || 6 || 1 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2004–05 NFL playoffs|2004]] || [[2004 Denver Broncos season|DEN]]
| 1 || 7 || 3 || 4 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2005–06 NFL playoffs|2005]] || [[2005 Denver Broncos season|DEN]]
| '''2''' || '''18''' || '''13''' || '''5''' || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || '''2'''
|-
! colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WilsAl00/gamelog/post/ Career] || 5 || 38 || 26 || 12 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 2
|}

==Personal life==
After his career with the Denver Broncos ended, Wilson started a career as a Colorado football executive. Wilson became the co-owner of Project FANchise, which puts fans in control of professional teams. In addition, he acquired the [[Indoor Football League]]’s Colorado Crush.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jhabvala |first=Nikki |date=October 22, 2016 |title=Jhabvala: In new role with new team, Al Wilson is a part of Colorado football again |url=http://www.denverpost.com/2016/10/22/al-wilson-colorado-football-broncos/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730235832/http://www.denverpost.com/2016/10/22/al-wilson-colorado-football-broncos/ |archive-date=July 30, 2017 |access-date=July 30, 2017 |website=The Denver Post}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{footballstats|pfr=W/WilsAl00}}
* [https://utsports.com/sports/football/roster/al-wilson/15634 Tennessee Volunteers bio]

{{1998 Tennessee Volunteers football navbox}}
{{1998 NCAA Division I-A College Football Consensus All-Americans}}
{{1999 NFL Draft}}
{{BroncosFirstPick}}
{{Broncos1999DraftPicks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wilson, Al}}
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:All-American college football players]]
[[Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players]]
[[Category:American football linebackers]]
[[Category:Denver Broncos players]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Jackson, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Tennessee Volunteers football players]]
[[Category:College Football Hall of Fame inductees]]

Vero - Wikipedia - User contributions [en]

Al Wilson