Adrian Wilson Signs Contract, Retires With The Arizona Cardinals
By Scott Allen
Number 24 has officially retired as a member of the Arizona Cardinals
Adrian Wilson was back in the Arizona Cardinals facility today. He signed a contract and retired a member of the team that drafted him in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of North Carolina State.
The Cardinals held a press conference at 1 p.m. this afternoon to announce the move. Wilson was flanked on his right by Cardinals Team President Michael Bidwill and Cardinals General Manager Steve Keim, had a short statement and answer reporter questions.
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“Today I will be retiring from the NFL as a proud member of the Arizona Cardinals”, Wilson said. Wilson had a prepared statement but it seemed directly from the heart. Attempting to fight off obvious tears in retiring from a game that clearly meant a lot to the 14-year safety.
Bidwill started off the conference by saying the Cardinals are planning on choosing a game to have Wilson be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor at University of Phoenix Stadium. It will be an honor well-deserved for the five-time Pro Bowler.
Not only were there reporters there but a couple of players in attendance either asked questions or had something to say. Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson said “you showed me the way on how to be a professional”. Former Cardinals defensive end Bertrand Berry asked what he would miss most about football. “The locker room on gameday”, Wilson said.
Thank you @adrian_wilson24 for all your years of hard work, commitment, sacrifice, leadership & outstanding defensive plays! #Bittersweet
— 🏈 FFF #11 (@Shangene) April 20, 2015
@adrian_wilson24 My heart is happy for you! Congrats and enjoy retirement! Forever a Cardinal, love you #24! #BirdGang #redsea #AZCardinals
— Laurynn Anderson (@AZQueenBe) April 20, 2015
Congratulations to former @NCStateFootball safety @adrian_wilson24 on his retirement. One bad man roaming the secondary, nobody was safe.
— J.J. (@JJwith2Jays) April 20, 2015
Just got done watching @adrian_wilson24 retirement press conference.....ain't even gonna lie got a little teary eyed! Salute to my fav card!
— nicholas gonzalez (@niko8298) April 20, 2015
after choosing the Cardinals as my team. Adrian Wilson was pretty much the reason I stuck with them through the early years.
— Michael (@mgharbron) April 20, 2015
@Cardschatter @adrian_wilson24 you mattered. Both on the field and off, you mattered. Don't ever doubt it. #BirdGang
— Cards Girl Keri (@cardsgirlkeri76) April 20, 2015
I couldn’t have said it any better myself. Thank you Adrian Wilson for your 12 years of service in Arizona and 14 in the NFL overall. Now, onto the Ring of Honor.