Stanley Wilson Jr.

Stanley Tobias Wilson Jr. was an American football cornerback who used to play in the NFL for the Detroit Lions. Stanley Wilson had a very brief NFL career and often struggled with issues off the field. He is the son of former NFL running back Stanley Wilson Sr. who was a promising player for the Cincinnati Bengals. Substance abuse cut both Stanley Wilson Jr. and his father’s NFL career short. Stanley Wilson Jr. passed away on February 1, 2023 under mysterious circumstances in California. Read more to know all about Stanley Wilson Jr.’s life, NFL career and how he passed away.

Stanley Wilson Jr. Early Life and Background

Stanley Wilson Jr. was born into a football family. He was the son of decorated Cincinnati Bengals running back Stanley Wilson Sr. WIlson Jr. was raised by his grandparents in Carson, California. He was born in Oklahoma City on November 5, 1982. Wilson attended Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance. He played football from a young age.

In 2000, Wilson attended Stanford University after being recruited by Tyrone Willingham.

Wilson played four seasons for the Stanford Cardinal football team from 2001 to 2004, the latter three under head coach Walt Harris, after redshirting his true freshman season. With 32 tackles (27 solo) and two interceptions as a sophomore in 2002, Wilson established himself as a reliable starter. Wilson recorded 27 tackles, six passes intercepted, and six passes defended in 2003.

With 54 tackles (41 solo and 2.5 for loss), five passes deflected, one interception recovered for 51 yards, and 54 tackles overall as a senior in 2004, Wilson set career highs. He was also named honorable mention All-Pac-10 for his performance.

Stanley Wilson Jr. NFL Draft

Stanley Wilson Jr. registered for the 2005 NFL Draft. He was drafted in the 3rd round of the Draft by the Detroit Lions. Wilson was the overall 72nd pick of the 2005 NFL Draft. One of the most notable players of the 2005 NFL Draft is the elite quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Stanley Wilson Jr.’s NFL Journey

Stanley Wilson was drafted in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions who deployed him as a backup cornerback. Wilson played for a total of three seasons in the NFL (from 2005 to 2007) but his career was cut short due to injuries. Wilson scarcely started for the Detroit Lions although he always served as a backup cornerback.

Stanley Wilson Jr. Teams

Detroit Lions (2005-2007)

Stanley Wilson Jr. in action during Lions vs. Bears- 2007, Ford Field, Michigan

After being drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2005, Stanley Wilson Jr. featured in a total of 32 games for the team. He started in 9 out of the 32 games he played for the Detroit Lions. He put up a stat line of 10 tackles in his nine debut season games with the Lions. His sophomore season was even better, as the Stanford University alum put up 38 tackles in 13 games. Wilson Jr. subsequently posted 38 tackles in 10 games in his third and final season with the Lions.

Wilson had 86 tackles (63 of them solo), deflected 8 passes, and caused one fumble in his entire NFL career. Wilson was put on injured reserve on November 28, 2007, because of a knee injury. The Lions expected Wilson to return to the team once again in 2008 and they even signed him on a 1 year contract. However, Wilson injured his Achilles tendon during an exhibition match against the New York Giants in 2008. This put an end to his NFL career for good as Stanley Wilson Jr. never returned to play football thereafter.

Stanley Wilson Jr. Net Worth

Stanley Wilson Jr. did not have a very long NFL career but he added to his net worth through NFL salaries. It is estimated that Stanley Wilson Jr. had a net worth of $1 million (approximately) at the time of his death in 2023. He earned this net worth through his time as an NFL player.

Stanley Wilson Jr. Contract

Stanley Wilson Jr. initially signed a 3-year entry level contract with the Detroit Lions when he was drafted in 2005. The 3-year contract spanned from 2005 to 2007 and was worth $1.49 million. He received a signing bonus of $568,050 and his average annual average salary was $497,683.

The Lions had subsequently signed Wilson on a one-year contract in 2008 worth $927,000. However, he could not play the season due to a career ending injury.

Stanley Wilson Jr. Family

Stanley Wilson Sr.

Stanley Wilson Jr. is one of the sons of the late Cincinnati Bengals running back Stanley Wilson Sr. Wilson Sr. played college football at the University of Oklahoma, where he was a standout player for the Sooners. He was selected by the Bengals in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft and went on to have a successful rookie season, rushing for 519 yards and four touchdowns. However, Sr. Wilson's promising career was cut short due to his struggles with drug addiction. In 1985, he missed the entire season after being suspended for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. He returned to the Bengals in 1986 and played in all 16 games, rushing for 192 yards and two touchdowns. On January 14, 1989, the night before the Bengals' playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, Wilson Sr. was found in a neighbor's backyard, naked and incoherent. The Bengals were forced to play the playoff game without Wilson Sr., and they lost to the 49ers. Wilson Sr. was later arrested for burglary and sentenced to 22 years in prison. He was released after serving more than 18 years.

Stanley Wilson Jr. has a brother Seth Wilson, who also played football till the collegiate level.

Life after NFL for Stanley Wilson

He often ran into legal issues following his injuries that ended his career. Wilson Jr. was shot in the abdomen in June 2016 after allegedly attempting to enter a home in Portland, Oregon, while completely nude. Wilson Jr. was then charged with attempted burglary.

He was taken into custody in 2017 after being suspected of walking about a Portland neighborhood shirtless. In response to a third alleged attempted break-in, he was detained once more in February 2017.

He was arrested once more in August 2022 for allegedly breaking into a house and afterwards having a bath in a fountain outside. Wilson Jr. was taken into police custody after being charged with vandalism in August 2022, but according to the prosecution, he was transferred early that month from the county jail to the Los Angeles County's Metropolitan State Hospital after being deemed unable to stand trial.

How did Stanley Wilson Jr. pass away?

Stanley Wilson Jr. tragically passed away at the tender age of 40 at the Los Angeles County’s Metropolitan State Hospital. He was found dead by the caretakers in the facility after he had collapsed. The exact reason for his death has not been confirmed however, there is no foul play indicated. WIlson had been struggling with mental health issues all his adult life which even affected his career in the NFL apart from his injuries which forced him off the field forever.