Former middle linebacker Al Wilson officially retired from the NFL on Wednesday, more than 18 months after he played his last down for the Broncos.
Wilson, the Broncos’ first-round draft pick out of Tennessee in 1999, spent his entire eight-year NFL career in Denver, becoming a five-time Pro Bowler and a favorite among fans and teammates.
“A lot of guys have a hard time leading, but it was just natural for him from the first day he came,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “People would gravitate to him.”
Wilson suffered a neck injury on Dec. 3, 2006, and had to be carted off the field on a stretcher. He returned to play the rest of the season but has not played since. Wilson announced his retirement on the website .
“He was a great player and a great friend,” linebacker D.J. Williams said. “It’s his decision, and if he feels like it is time to walk away from the game, that’s what he should do.”
Wilson was a defensive captain for the Broncos and finished his career with 712 tackles, 21 1/2 sacks and five interceptions.
Williams, who lined up beside Wilson for three years, is now one of the team’s defensive captains, and it was Wilson who taught him to be a leader.
“Al loved the game. Not only that, he loved his teammates. Sometimes that’s bigger than the game, just the camaraderie, just being around the fellas in the locker room,” Williams said. “For me, coming in as a rookie and you don’t know what it’s about being in the NFL, being a professional, I just kind of followed him around and listened to things he said.”
Lindsay H. Jones: 303-954-1262 or ljones@denverpost.com
