Unfortunately, the Arizona Cardinals announced on Saturday that Luis Sharpe, a three-time NFL Pro Bowl player and a veteran offensive tackle, has died at the age of 65.
In December 2024, Sharpe told the Detroit Free Press, “I realize that I have the life I have today because I’ve overcome so many obstacles and so many challenges.” God asked me to share my life with others, to explain my fall from grace, and to say, “If I can stand before you today as a productive member of society, so can you.” That is exactly what I am doing.
Through his relatives, the Cardinals verified his death. Tameka Williams-Sharpe, Sharpe’s wife, also shared information about her husband’s death on social media. The Sharpe family received the Cardinals’ sincerest sympathies from team owner Michael Bidwell.
What Sort of Cardinals Player Was Luis Sharpe?
Regarding Sharpe’s passing, Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill stated, “Luis Sharpe demonstrated an unusual kind of strength and toughness that made him so successful as a player throughout his long and accomplished career with the Cardinals.” “We extend our sincerest sympathies to everyone who cares for Luis, especially his family and former teammates.”
Luis Sharpe was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 16th overall choice in the 1982 NFL Draft. He was a member of the Arizona Cardinals for all 13 of his NFL seasons. Sharpe was selected to the second team All-Pro in 1988 and 1990 and made three consecutive Pro Bowls from 1987 to 1989.
Sharpe was also largely regarded as one of the team’s top players throughout the team’s move from St. Louis to Arizona, and he started all 189 of his NFL games. During his playing career, he was regarded as one of the “faces of the franchise” and is regarded as the greatest offensive lineman in Cardinals history. After football, Luis Sharpe unfortunately had a lot of difficulties.
What Kind of Man was Luis Sharpe?
Luis Sharpe battled drug addiction for several years after his NFL career ended. Before being sober in 2015, Sharpe had a rough past and spent some time behind bars. In a 2010 interview with The Athletic, Sharpe talked about his addiction and said that it’s very difficult for sportsmen to deal with their personal life after their careers are over.
For athletes, that is the main issue. In order to win, they must give up, but they don’t. I have to acknowledge that I don’t know everything and that it’s acceptable to ask for assistance and to be honest with oneself by admitting that “I have character flaws.”
After leaving the NFL, Sharpe focused his efforts in his later years on helping former players with their health. In addition, Sharpe relocated to Michigan, where he was raised, and worked as a counselor at a sobriety center in Detroit.
Sharpe, who had accepted his history, said that addiction is not a sign of moral failure. “My message is that they can live a different life and quit using substances,” Sharpe stated. His wife posted the following message on social media to notify her husband’s death, according to the U.S. Sun:
She added, “I share with deep sorrow and abiding love that my beloved husband, Luis Sharpe, has passed away.” To everyone who knew him, his faith, love, and strength shone brightly. I am thankful for all of the time we spent together as well as the numerous prayers and well wishes given to our family.
More significantly, Luis Sharpe will be remembered as a kind man who triumphed over adversity and as one of the faces of the Arizona Cardinals team. After his death was announced, tributes from all over the NFL poured in.
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