Adrian Wilson No Longer With the Arizona Cardinals

Dec. 16, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detroit Lions running back Mikel Leshoure (25) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals strong safety Adrian Wilson (24) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

A-Dub.  That’s how we all came to know number 24, Adrian Wilson.  The man has made a living since 2001 in the Arizona Cardinals defensive backfield scaring receivers into dropped passes and poor performances.  Today, that 12-year run came to an end as the Cards released the strong safety.  It was time though, however he is a Cardinal for life.  The man may have been fierce on the field but was also pure class off of it.

I can’t say this came as a shock.  The past two seasons Wilson seemed to have lost a step or two.  In 2012 he missed more tackles than I can remember.  Then he was benched at one point by then head coach Ken Whisenhunt.  Wilson’s age caught up with him a bit, although I could see a team in need of someone like him taking a one or two year chance with him to end his career.

He made the Pro Bowl five times.  Five times in 12 years.  That’s pretty darn good for being part of a Cards defense that, let’s be honest here, was poor more often than not in his 12 years in a Cards uniform.

He had good things to say about Cards fans.  He released a statement that in part said “It’s been a honor and pleasure”.  Nothing but pure class.  Now, a debate will be started whether he is Hall of Fame worthy or not, however that should be saved for when he decides to retire.  He says he can go another three.  We’ll see.  If he ended it all today, it was a fantastic ride. Good show number 24.