Eugene Wilson (American football)

Eugene Wilson

Eugene Wilson during his tenure with the Patriots.
No. --     Free Agent
Cornerback / Safety
Personal information
Date of birth: August 17, 1980 (1980-08-17) (age 31)
Place of birth: Merrillville, Indiana
Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) Weight: 193 lb (88 kg)
Career information
College: Illinois
NFL Draft: 2003 / Round: 2 / Pick: 36
Debuted in 2003 for the New England Patriots
Career history
*Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status: Injured Reserve
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 17, 2008
Tackles     314
Sacks     0.0
INTs     12
Stats at NFL.com

Eugene W. Wilson, II (born August 17, 1980 in Merrillville, Indiana) is an American football defensive back who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois.

Wilson has also been a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He earned two Super Bowl rings during his tenure with the Patriots.

Contents

Early years

Wilson attended Merrillville High School in Merrillville, Indiana and was a student and a letterman in football and basketball. In football, he was a two-time All-State selection and, as a senior, he was named the Conference's Defensive Player of the Year. In basketball, he was a four-year varsity letterman and starter, and was a two-time All-Conference selection.

College career

He attended the University of Illinois where he majored in speech communications. He finished his career with 176 Tackles [139 Solo, 37 Assist], 11 INT, and 60 PD. He also had 93 punt returns for 896 yards and 2 TD.[1]

Professional career

New England Patriots

He was drafted by the Patriots in the second round (36th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft. He has helped the Patriots win Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2003 and Super Bowl XXXIX in 2004. He recovered a fumble by Philadelphia Eagles tight end L.J. Smith in Super Bowl XXXIX before leaving the game after sustaining an injury on a kickoff. He also intercepted Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger twice in the Patriots 41-27 victory in the 2004 AFC Championship Game.

In 2007, in a Week 15 game against the New York Jets, Wilson returned a Kellen Clemens interception for a touchdown, making him the 21st Patriot to score a touchdown that season, tying an NFL record.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On March 14, 2008, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Wilson to a one-year, $1.8 million contract including $500,000 guaranteed; however, he was released on September 1, 2008.

Houston Texans

Two days after his release from the Buccaneers, Wilson was signed by the Houston Texans on September 3, 2008.

During a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on August 31, 2009, Wilson fell victim to an illegal "crackback" block thrown by Brett Favre. He was injured on the play and was listed as "day-to-day." Wilson returned to the field on September 20, 2009, and started the second game of the season, recording an interception in the Texans' win over the Tennessee Titans.

Wilson was placed Injured Reserve on November 24, 2009, due to broken toes.

On February 18, 2011, the Texans released Wilson.

References

External links