Otis Wilson

Otis Wilson not only gave it all on the field, but gave us a deep dive into the special behind the scene viewpoints into one of the most famous Chicago Bears teams.

Born on September 15, 1957, in Brooklyn, New York, Wilson attended Thomas Jefferson High School, where his relentless work ethic and natural talent earned him notice on the defensive side of the ball. 

He began his collegiate career at Syracuse before transferring to the University of Louisville, where he became a three-year starter and team captain. As a senior he was named a First-Team All-American by Sporting News, finishing with 484 career tackles, ranking second in school history 

In the 1980 NFL Draft, Wilson was taken in the first round (19th overall) by the Chicago Bears. He soon became a cornerstone of the Bears’ legendary 46 Defense, playing outside linebacker alongside Hall of Famers Mike Singletary and Wilber Marshall. His breakout 1985 season featured 10.5 sacks, making him second on the team, and he earned both Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro honors.

The 1985 Bears defense tore through opponents, culminating in a commanding Super Bowl XX victory. Wilson’s relentless pass-rushing and intimidating presence were crucial to the team’s dominance.

Over his nine-season NFL career (1980–1989), Wilson starred in 117 games (97 starts), recording 41.5 sacks, 10 interceptions (115 return yards, 2 TDs), 9 fumble recoveries, and 37 return yards, while scoring two defensive touchdowns. He also made five playoff appearances, lending his ferocity to postseason play. After injuries sidelined him in 1988, he briefly returned in 1989 with the Los Angeles Raiders, adding one more appearance before retiring.

Off the field, Otis Wilson channeled his passion for leadership into meaningful community work. He founded the Otis Wilson Charitable Association, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting physical fitness, nutrition education, and overall wellness among at-risk youth in underserved communities. Through school visits, youth camps, and mentoring initiatives, Wilson’s organization has empowered countless children to build healthier lifestyles and stronger futures, offering them knowledge and hope. 

In 2017, Wilson shared his behind-the-scenes perspective on one of the NFL’s most iconic teams in his memoir, If These Walls Could Talk: Chicago Bears. The book offers vivid recollections of locker room moments, game-day intensity, and the brotherhood within the 1985 Super Bowl team. More than a retelling of highlights, Wilson’s writing delivers honest reflections on leadership, adversity, and what it truly means to be part of a championship legacy.

Image licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Profile photo from Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame.
Topps 1987 trading card. Biography by Grace Frericks.