Arizona Cardinals legend Luis Sharpe has died at the age of 65.
Sharpe’s wife, Tameka, made the devastating announcement on social media on Saturday.
‘With deep sorrow and abiding love, I share that my beloved husband, Luis Sharpe, has passed away,’ she wrote on Facebook.
‘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.
‘Though my heart is heavy, I trust that Luis is now resting in God’s eternal peace. Please continue to keep our family lifted in prayer.’
Cuban-born Sharpe played for the Cardinals for 13 seasons after being drafted by the franchise in the first round in 1982.
Arizona Cardinals legend Luis Sharpe has died at the age of 65, his wife announced Saturday
Sharpe’s wife, Tameka, made the devastating announcement on social media on Saturday
He made the move from St. Louis to Arizona with the team and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1987, 1988 and 1989. Sharpe is regarded as the team’s greatest-ever left tackle.
Sharpe struggled with drug and alcohol addiction in the years after retiring, and was arrested multiple times.
He was also shot twice doing drug deals that went awry but announced in December 2024 that he was eight years sober.
‘As an athlete, my self-esteem came from the applause of the fans and all of the accolades I received – that’s what filled me,’ Sharpe told the Detroit Free Press.
‘But after being homeless, penniless and hopeless, I have more peace and more joy than I did during my NFL days because God has taken my mess and turned it into a message.’
Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said in his own statement: ‘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.’
