It is a sad day for many connected to the Arizona Cardinals. One of their better players from the 80s and 90s has died.
First reported by Kevin McCabe, former Cardinals Luis Sharpe died peacefully of heart failure on Friday. He was 65 years old.
Sharpe was a first-round pick of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1982 and he was their starting left tackle for 13 seasons from 1982-1994. He made three Pro Bowls and named to the All-Pro second team twice.
On Saturday, owner Michael Bidwill made a statement about Sharpe’s passing, shared on social media and on the team’s official website.
“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. Admirably, he would later demonstrate those same traits in dealing with the personal challenges he faced when his career was over. We send our deepest condolences to all of those who loved Luis, in particular his family and former teammates.”
Sharpe struggled with substance abuse during and after his NFL career. He survived getting shot, spent time in prison and later got himself clean and stayed sober and clean for years.
He might have been the Cardinals’ best-ever left tackle.
Luis Sharpe’s death: Reactions from those who knew him
Many people who played with him, covered the Cardinals or met him during his career reacted to his passing.
Wolfley was his teammate.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals great Luis Sharpe dies at 65