Damien Wilson

Damien Wilson's Biography

Damien Wilson embarked on his journey into the world of football with his birthday on May 28, 1993. Currently an unrestricted free agent in professional American football, Wilson has cemented his role as an impressive linebacker with his athletic prowess and tactical understanding of the game.

Wilson’s early career can be traced back to his days at Amite County High School, located in Liberty, Mississippi. He teamed up with Gabe Jackson, providing defensive prowess on their gridiron. Upon graduation, the hopeful footballer received a scholarship from Alcorn State University. However, after his freshman season, he sought a change of scene, transferring to Jones County Junior College.

In his sophomore year, Wilson played as a safety. His formidable performances led to him being named the Region 23 Defensive MVP. He accumulated 122 tackles, registering 6 losses, made 2 sacks, and defensed 2 passes, landing him fourth in national rankings. Alongside this, he managed to register 119 tackles with 10.5 for loss during his sophomore year. His undeniable talent caught the attention of the University of Minnesota, and he then transferred to continue his football career.

During the junior year at Minnesota, Wilson transitioned from safety to linebacker. His excellent adaptation to the role was evidenced by his tallying 12 starts, 78 tackles, one sack, and 5.5 tackles-for-loss, finishing second on the team. In his final year, he started 12 times, collecting 119 tackles and 4 sacks, leading his team in both categories, alongside 10.5 tackles-for-loss, an interception, and forcing a fumble.

The Dallas Cowboys, in an exhibition of their faith in his potential, chose Wilson in the 2015 NFL draft’s fourth round. To further their commitment, they signed Wilson to a four-year contract worth $2.74 million on May 28, 2015. Just like his predecessor Anthony Hitchens, Wilson expanded his skillset by being trained in all three linebacker positions throughout the training camp. Although primarily playing in special teams, he made a significant impact while replacing the injured Andrew Gachkar against the New Orleans Saints.

A serious right-eye injury during an off-season paintball game temporarily stalled Wilson’s football stint in 2016, resulting in his missing the first two weeks of training camp. Eventually, he surpassed Kyle Wilber on the depth chart and started five games at strong side linebacker. He managed to contribute a total of 35 tackles, 4 of which were losses.

The following season saw Wilson beginning as a backup before overtaking Wilber again midway through the season. He ended 2017 with 39 tackles, one sack, and seven special teams tackles, while also inducing five quarterback hurries.

In 2019, Wilson joined the ranks of the Kansas City Chiefs on a two-year, $5.75 million contract. As part of the Chiefs, he started all 16 games at middle linebacker, posting 81 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Wilson’s contribution was instrumental to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl triumph, their first in fifty years.

Wilson’s 2020 season was marred by a knee injury that forced him to miss three matches. Despite this setback, he accumulated 70 tackles in 13 games and helped the Chiefs reach their second consecutive Super Bowl.

In April 2021, Wilson took a giant leap in his career, signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His performances witnessed a marked improvement with 104 tackles (5 for loss), 3 sacks, and 5 passes defensed, leading him to finish second on the team. His excellent performances couldn’t convince the Jaguars to re-sign, and thus, Wilson signed a two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers in March 2022.

With the Panthers, Wilson recorded 32 tackles, 2 sacks, and 6 special teams tackles, all in 17 games. However, a year later, the Panthers released Wilson since he was not fitting in with their 3-4 defense.

On the personal front, Wilson has had his share of controversies. On July 4, 2017, he was arrested on two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon during an Independence Day celebration. On April 19, 2022, he was also arrested for reportedly threatening his ex-girlfriend. Despite his career highs and lows, the linebacker keeps pushing for excellence, waiting for his next opportunity to prove his mettle on the field again.