Larry Frank Wilson is a former American football free safety who played for the St. Louis Cardinals. Wilson attended Rigby High School, where a plaque now hangs noting his accomplishments. After high school Wilson played college football at the University of Utah, where he was a two-way starter. Despite his skill and adaptability, Wilson was not drafted until the 7th round of the 1960 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. After originally playing as a cornerback, Wilson switched to free safety, and it was here that he found his place on the team. Not long after Wilson made the team,... Defensive coordinator Chuck Drulis crafted a play that called for the free safety to take part in a blitz. The play was code-named "Wildcat", after Wilson's nickname. When the Cardinals first ran the safety blitz, the pressure was severe since most teams didn't expect a defensive back to take part in a pass rush. This single play also helped to set up today's defenses where a blitz can come from anywhere. Wilson eventually made All-Pro honors eight times in his career. Wilson represented the Cardinals on eight Pro Bowl teams.
more