Larry Wilson, the Hall of Fame St. Louis Cardinals defensive back who helped transform the position of safety into that of a more aggressive, blitzing defender, died on Thursday at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz. Wilson had been treated for cancer, the team said in announcing his death. As durable as any player in the league, Wilson started nearly every one of the 169 games in which he played over 13 seasons. He was one of six safeties named to the N.F.L.’s all-time team, chosen to honor the league’s 100th anniversary in 2019. But the Cardinals’ defense, with Wilson at its core, was ranked in the top half of the league for seven of his 13 seasons.

Source: New York Times September 18, 2020 23:15 UTC