Adrian Wilson has seen it all throughout his 11-year career with Arizona Cardinals.
The good.
The bad.
The ugly.
Sunday, Wilson helped the Cardinals smother the Detroit Lions 38-10 and end a brutal nine-game losing skid that stretched back to late September. He also became only the sixth player in NFL history to register 25 sacks and 25 interceptions. His career totals are 27 interceptions and 25.5 sacks after corralling Matthew Stafford for an eight-yard loss in the fourth quarter.
Wilson, who has never played for another NFL franchise since being picked in the third round of the 2001 draft, has seen his role reduced this season. After etching his name in NFL history he took a few minutes to reflect.
“Believe it or not, I’m a very emotional person,” Wilson said after the game fighting back tears. “I put a lot of stock into what I do to play here and to give everything that I have here. It feels good, and we won. A lot of the emotions that are coming out now are just thinking through the hard times and being where we’re at now.”
A-Dub, a leader on and off the field, drew praise from his teammates on the milestone.
“I’m tremendously happy for Adrian,” fellow safety Rashad Johnson said. “He’s like a big brother to me. He’s given me a lot of insight to this game and helped mold me into a better player…he still has a lot of football left in him. I could see him easily making it to the 30-30 club as well.”
Wilson, a five-time Pro-Bowler and three-time All-Pro, is known for his fierce hits, great speed, said he was going to relish the accomplishment with his teammates who helped him get to where he is in his career.
“That’s my brother, I love him,” outspoken defensive tackle Darnell Dockett said in the locker room Sunday. “I’m very blessed to be a part of him career over the last eight years and to see a dominant guy just dominating so many games…he’s one of the best leaders I’ve been around. I’m proud of him.”
