Wade Wilson obit

Former NFL QB, Cowboys assistant coach Wade Wilson dies at 60

 He was not on the list.

Wade Wilson, a former NFL quarterback and longtime assistant coach for the Dallas Cowboys, died Friday, the team announced in a release. He was 60.

No cause of death was announced by the team.

After being drafted in the eighth round out of East Texas State University (Texas A&M University–Commerce) in 1981, Wilson spent 19 years playing in the NFL. He spent the first 11 years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, leading the team to the NFC Championship Game in 1987. He made the Pro Bowl the following season after throwing for a career-high 2,746 yards and 15 touchdowns.

In addition to the Cowboys, Wilson went on to play for the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders.

After his playing career ended, Wilson took a job as the Cowboys' quarterbacks coach in 2000. He served in that role for three seasons, then joined the Chicago Bears from 2004-06 before returning in 2007 to the Cowboys.

Under Wilson's guidance, Tony Romo became the franchise's all-time leader in passing yards (34,183) and touchdowns (248).

He remained with the team until the end of the 2017 campaign, when he was replaced by Kellen Moore.

Wilson was an eighth round draft choice  of the Minnesota Vikings in 1981 and led them to three playoff appearances, including the 1987 NFC Championship Game, during his 11 years with the team. He also spent time with the Atlanta Falcons (1992), New Orleans Saints (1993-94), Dallas Cowboys (1995-97) and Oakland Raiders (1998-99). He served as Troy Aikman’s backup on the Cowboys Super Bowl XXX championship team in 1995.

Aikman tweeted shortly after hearing the news, “Sad news today as we lost a teammate far too soon. Wade Wilson was my backup from 1995-‘97 and my QB coach my last season in 2000. Prayers for his children and family.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones released the following statement on Wilson’s passing:

Wade was a cherished and valued member of our organization as a player, a coach and a wonderful friend. His contributions began as a member of a Super Bowl winning team and carried on through to helping guide the development and growth of both Tony Romo and Dak Prescott.

Former Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith tweeted, “I am completely saddened by the loss of my former teammate, Wade Wilson… my thoughts, prayers and heart go to him and his family during this time.

Former Cowboys safety Darren Woodson tweeted, “Cowboys Nation lost a good man today in Wade Wilson! I personally lost a friend and a great teammate! RIP Wade!”

Former Cowboys tight end Jason Witten tweeted, “RIP Sticks. A life well lived.”

Wilson died at his home in Coppell, Texas, according to the Cowboys. Friday was his 60th birthday. 

His notable teammates were: Tommy Kramer, Steve Dils, Eddie Payton, Ted Brown, Scott Studwell, Ahmad Rashād, Sammy White, Jim Langer, Ron Yary, Tony Galbreath, Matt Blair, Steve Jordan, Darrin Nelson, Harold Jackson, Leo Lewis, Joey Browner, Dave Casper, Archie Manning, Carl Lee, Keith Millard, Allen Rice, Mike Mularkey, Jan Stenerud, Chris Doleman, Hassan Jones, Jesse Solomon, Gary Zimmerman, Kirk Lowdermilk, Chuck Nelson, Tim Newton, Anthony Carter, Henry Thomas, Rich Gannon, Randall McDaniel, Rich Karlis, Teddy Garcia, Hershel Walker, Mike Merriweather, Chris Carter, Todd Scott, Terry Allen, John Randle, Donald Igwebuike, Bob Whitfield, Andre Rison, Steve Broussard, Chris Hinton, Bill Fralic, Mike Kenn, Deion Sanders, Rickey Jackson, Renaldo Turnbull, Tyrone Hughes, Willie Roaf, Lorenzo Neal, Hoby Brenner, Steve Walsh, Eric Martin, Dalton Hilliard, Sam Mills, Jay Hilgenberg, Joel Hilgenberg, Vaughan Johnson, Floyd Turner, Renaldo Turnbull, Vaughan Johnson, Morten Andersen, Joe Johnson, Jim Everett, Wayne Martin, Wesley Walls, Troy Aikman, Jason Garrett, Michael Irvin, Daryl Johnston, Emmitt Smith, Larry Allen, Nate Newton, Leon Lott, Jay Novacek, Bill Bates, Darren Woodson, John Jett, Charles Haley, Tony Tolbert, Erik Williams, Dexter Coakley, Darrell Russell, Steve Wisniewski, Charles Woodson, Jeff George, Napoleon Kaufman, Desmond Howard, Pat Swilling, James Jett, Tim Brown, Harvey Williams, Eric Allen and Albert Lewis,

He was coached by: Bud Grant, Les Steckel, Jerry Burns, Jerry Glanville, Jim Mora, Barry Switzer and Jon Gruden.