"THEY WERE SAINTS": DAVE WILSON

Photo by: Getty Images

65/4/2020
By: Terrill J. Weil
Da Boot Sports!


       Dave Wilson was a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints from 1981 to 1989.  Bum Phillips took Wilson with the first pick of the 1981 supplemental draft. Phillips was hoping that Wilson would be longtime Saints starting quarterback Archie Manning's replacement. 
     In 1982 Wilson would suffer torn ligaments in his left knee which would end his season and hamper his mobility for the remainder of his career. Most of his playing time came during the 1985 and 1986 seasons, when he started ten and thirteen games, respectively.
       He would play his entire career in New Orleans and finished his NFL career with 36 touchdowns, 55 interceptions, 6,987 passing yards with a QB Rating of 63.8.
       Wilson is from Anaheim, California and played his college ball at the University of Illinois where he was known for his strong arm and quick release. However he would have eligibility issues with the NCAA due to transcripts problems.  The highlight of his college career came in a game against Ohio State in 1980 when he would pass for 621 yards, a NCAA record that would stand for eight years. 
       Wilson is currently a scout for NFL Pro Scouts in California.

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