Unfortunate news over the weekend as Luis Sharpe, a three-time NFL Pro Bowler and longtime Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle, has passed away at 65, the Cardinals reported on Saturday.
“I recognize today I have the life I have because I’ve overcome so many obstacles and so many challenges,” Sharpe told the Detroit Free Press in December 2024. “God wanted me to go out and do exactly what I’m doing, to share my life with others, to tell them my fall from grace and say, ‘If I can stand before you today as a productive member of society, so can you.’”
The Cardinals confirmed his passing through his family. Sharpe’s wife, Tameka Williams-Sharpe, also posted about her husband’s passing on social media. Cardinals owner Michael Bidwell sent the team’s deepest condolences to the Sharpe family.
GettyLuis Sharpe is widely recognized as the best offensive tackle in Arizona Cardinals history.
What Kind of Player was Luis Sharpe for the Cardinals?
“Throughout his lengthy and accomplished career with the Cardinals, Luis Sharpe exhibited an uncommon type of strength and toughness that made him so successful as a player,” Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said about Sharpe’s death. “We send our deepest condolences to all of those who love Luis, in particular his family and former teammates.”
The Arizona Cardinals drafted Luis Sharpe with the 16th overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft. He played all 13 years of his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals. Sharpe made three straight Pro Bowls from 1987 to 1989 and was a second-team All-Pro selection in 1988 and 1990.
In addition, Sharpe started all 189 games that he played in the NFL and was widely recognized as one of the team’s best players during the franchise’s transition from St. Louis to Arizona. He was considered one of the “faces of the franchise” during his playing days, and is considered the best offensive tackle in Cardinals history. Unfortunately, Luis Sharpe really struggled after football.
GettyLuis Sharpe dominated the NFL for 13 years and then overcame addiction post-retirement.
What Kind of Man was Luis Sharpe?
After his NFL career was over, Luis Sharpe struggled with drug addiction for many years. Sharpe spent some time in jail and lived a difficult life until he got sober in 2015. During an interview with The Athletic in 2010, Sharpe detailed his addiction, saying it’s really tough for athletes to deal with their lives after their careers end.
“That’s the biggest problem for athletes. They have to surrender to win, and that’s not what they do. I had to recognize I don’t have all the answers and that it’s OK to reach out for help and to be honest with yourself by saying, ‘I have character flaws.’”
In the twilight years of his life, Sharpe worked specifically to help former NFL players with their health after leaving the league. Sharpe also moved to Michigan, where he grew up, and counseled patients at a Detroit sobriety clinic.
Sharpe had come to peace with his past and advocated that addiction is not a moral failure. “My message is that they can stop using substances and live a different life,” Sharpe said. The U.S. Sun reported the message his wife shared on social media to announce her husband’s passing:
“With deep sorrow and abiding love, I share that my beloved husband, Luis Sharpe, has passed away, she said. “His strength, love, and faith were a light to all who knew him. I am grateful for every moment we shared and for the many prayers and kindnesses extended to our family.”
Luis Sharpe will be remembered as one of the faces of the Arizona Cardinals franchise, and more importantly, as a good man who overcame bad circumstances. Tributes from across the NFL have poured in following the announcement of his passing.
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