Nemiah Wilson

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Nemiah Wilson
Nemiah Wilson in college circa 1965.jpg
Nemiah Wilson c. 1965
No. 45
Position Defensive back
Personal information
Born(1943-04-06)April 6, 1943
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight165 lb (75 kg)
Career information
High school McKinley (Baton Rouge)
College Grambling (1961-1964)
NFL draft 1965: undrafted
Career history
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Awards and highlights
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Nemiah "Nemo" Wilson Jr. (born April 6, 1943) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive back in the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Grambling State Tigers, and played professionally in the AFL for the Denver Broncos from 1965 through 1967, and then for the AFL's Oakland Raiders in from 1968 through 1974, time which included the 1970 merger between the AFL and the NFL. He finished his career playing one final season for the Chicago Bears in 1975.

Contents

Early life

Nemiah Wilson Jr. [1] was born on April 6, 1943 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. [2] His parents were Nemiah Wilson Sr. and Julia Wilson. [1] Wilson's grandfather, Nehemiah Wilson, was a Baptist bishop in Louisiana. [3] He intermittently stayed at the Blundon Home, an organization in his hometown that took care of orphans and neglected children. [4] He attended McKinley High School in Baton Rouge, where he played at halfback. [5] He was the top college prospect in the state of Louisiana by the time he graduated in 1960. [6]

College career

Wilson joined the Grambling State Tigers in 1961 following a "star-spangled" high school career. [7] While he played offense in high school, the only way Wilson could make the team was playing defense. He started regularly playing at defensive end by his junior year. [8] He was also a return specialist. In one 1962 game against Alcorn State University, Wilson scored touchdowns on two punt returns. [9]

Professional career

Denver Broncos (1965-1967)

Going undrafted in 1965, Wilson was not seen as much of a prospect due to his size. Standing at 6 foot and 168 pounds, most teams overlooked him in favor of other prospects. George Dickson, the at-the-time defensive backfield coach for the Denver Broncos, was given a tip from a friend about Wilson. After encouragement from his coach Oree Banks, Wilson tried out for the Broncos and quickly became a star. [8] He signed a $10,000 contract with the team in March 1965. [1]

Wilson was immediately seen as a potential challenger to the established four veterans of the Broncos secondary. [10] He took in two interceptions in a November game against the Houston Oilers during his rookie season. [11] Continuing his success on special teams in his professional career, he was referred to as one of the nation's top two return specialists alongside fellow Bronco Goldie Sellers. He had returned a kickoff for 100 yards during the 1966 season. [12]

Despite being named to the 1967 AFL All-Star team, [13] Wilson struggled to get along with Broncos head coach Lou Saban when he took over the team. [3] In July 1968, the Broncos traded Wilson to the New York Jets for an undisclosed draft pick. [14] Wilson eventually returned to the Broncos only a month later after contract disputes with coach Weeb Ewbank, being places on the "voluntarily retired" list. [15]

Nemiah Wilson tackling Bake Turner of the New York Jets in 1969 Nemiah Wilson tackling Bake Turner in 1969.jpg
Nemiah Wilson tackling Bake Turner of the New York Jets in 1969

Oakland Raiders (1968-1974)

The Oakland Raiders signed Wilson as a free agent late into 1968, using him as the "last man" in their backfield where he saw very limited play. He was signed to temporarily replace Kent McCloughan after a gruesome knee injury. He began consistently starting the following season. [3] He was credited as part of the Raiders' "Soul Patrol" secondary where he was noted for his speed. [16]

Wilson took in an interception in his first playoff game with the Raiders in 1968 against the Kansas City Chiefs in a 41-6 win. [17] He had a rough performance in the AFL Championship Game in 1970, being reportedly punched in the face by Otis Taylor and being called for two critical penalties during the match. [18] He and his wife had received threats from an anonymous source in the days before, stating that if the Raiders did not lose then the caller would not responsible for what would happen. [19] The game left him in poor reputation with fans. [20]

At the end of the 1971 season, Wilson was injured in a game against the Chiefs, [21] capping off his five interception season. [22] At this time, Wilson started to be favorably compared to future Hall of Famer and fellow Raider Willie Brown. [23] In 1973, Wilson began a contract dispute with Raiders owner Al Davis. Wilson was seeking "special privileges," [24] including the right to show up to practice late to continue the maintenance of his business. [25] Wilson threatened retirement if the dispute was not resolved. [26] Wilson eventually rejoined the team, but concerns were raised over his shape after missing a significant portion of training camp. [27] This lead to questions on if Wilson would start over Raiders newcomer Skip Thomas, though it was clear Wilson would eventually hold on to the position. [28] [29]

The struggle to retain the starting position against Thomas only increased for Wilson following the 1973 season, [30] with Thomas getting in noteworthy experience playing for an injured Wilson. [31] Wilson's age increasingly became a factor in the decision to move him away from the starting position. [32] After reporting late to training camp in the preseason, [33] Wilson had officially lost the starting job to Thomas, nicknamed "Doctor Death," by September 1974. [34] Thomas was injured in Week 9 of the season, leaving Wilson to step in as his replacement. He had 19 interceptions with the Raiders by the end of his career with the club, marking 27 interceptions in total up to that point. [35]

Nemiah Wilson (second from left) standing with other members of the Raiders' Soul Patrol Raiders Soul Patrol in 1969.jpg
Nemiah Wilson (second from left) standing with other members of the Raiders' Soul Patrol

Chicago Bears (1975)

I'm just not one to sit on the bench. I can't get used to it. The only thing I want to do is play, and I don't care where. [35]

Wilson was vocally upset with the Raiders after losing priority on the roster and after contract negotiations failed to go in his favor. [36] He had attempted to bargain for a trade the previous season, but was shut down by the Raiders front office. [35] Wilson was finally traded to the Chicago Bears in April 1975 for an undisclosed draft pick. [37] [35] He had become friendly with head coach Jack Pardee and cited the respect he saw from the coach as the driving force behind his eagerness to play with the team. [38]

Following an underwhelming season with the Bears, Wilson was placed on the injured reserve list for a back sprain in November 1975. This meant he could not play for the rest of the season, and following complaints of "unacceptable medical treatment" alongside fellow NFL veteran Cid Edwards, Wilson decided to retire from professional football. [39]

Personal life

During his time in the NFL, Wilson ran a tailoring business with Broncos halfback and Hall of Famer Floyd Little. [40] He is married to Jackie, and they have one child. [2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "SIGNS WITH BRONCOS". Alexandria News Leader. March 20, 1965. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  2. 1 2 "1975 Chicago Bears Media Guide" (PDF). Chicago Bears. 1975. p. 37. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 United Press International (November 14, 1969). "Interlocking Defensive Responsibility". News Register. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  4. ↑ Harris, Andrew (April 16, 1967). "Denver Broncos Donate $500 to Blundon Fund For Star Nemiah Wilson". Alexandria News Leader. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Wallace May Find Answers In Game Against McKinley". The Orange Leader. September 9, 1960. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  6. ↑ "HEADED FOR GREATNESS". Alexandria News Leader. August 24, 1963. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  7. ↑ Nicholson, Collie J. (January 28, 1961). "Schoolboy Aces May Make Grambling Top Grid Power". New Pittsburgh Courier. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  8. 1 2 "Nemiah Wilson Looks Good In Broncos' Training Camp". Alexandria News Leader. August 29, 1965. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Grambling Wins, 46-7". The Louisiana Weekly. December 1, 1962. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  10. ↑ Rathet, Mike (August 17, 1965). "New Coach Mac Speedie Optimistic About Chances Of Broncos In AFL Play". Danville Register and Bee. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  11. ↑ "Blanda Pulls Defeat From Jaws Of Victory". Wichita Falls Times. Associated Press. November 15, 1965. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  12. ↑ Gramaud, Mike (November 4, 1966). "Top Passers To Meet". Kingsport News. United Press International . Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  13. ↑ "AFL All-Star 'Roundup'". Jacksonville Journal. December 28, 1967. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  14. ↑ "Broncos Trade Nemiah Wilson". The Bangor Daily News. Associated Press. July 11, 1968. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  15. ↑ "Jets Pondering a $900 Misunderstanding". Newsday (Suffolk Edition). August 2, 1986. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  16. ↑ Reznek, Dave (December 28, 1969). "Soul Patrol: On Title Fight". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  17. ↑ "Lamonica-Biletnikoff Aerial Duo Catches Chiefs Flat-Footed, Leads Raiders to 41-6 Playoff Rout". St. Joseph Gazette. Associated Press. December 23, 1968. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  18. ↑ O'Connor, Dick (January 5, 1970). "Chiefs nab AFL crown". The Peninsula Times Tribune. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  19. ↑ "Oakland's Wilson claims he received four threats". Reno Gazette-Journal. Associated Press. January 10, 1970. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  20. ↑ Soliday, Bill (September 13, 1973). "On paper, Raiders are No. 1". The Argus of Fremony, Newark, and Union City. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  21. ↑ "CHIEFS WIN, 16-14". The Los Angeles Times. December 13, 1971. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  22. ↑ "Oakland Raiders Dislike Second Place Finish". The Daily Advertiser. May 14, 1972. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  23. ↑ Ross, George (August 27, 1973). "Inside Defense". Oakland Tribune. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  24. ↑ LaMarre, Tom (July 27, 1973). "Money Wasn't Wilson's Worry". Oakland Tribune. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  25. ↑ LaMarre, Tom (July 27, 1973). "Raiders Nix Nemo's Pleas". Oakland Tribune. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  26. ↑ "Raiders are forced to operate without Biletnikoff, Wilson". Record Searchlight. Associated Press. July 26, 1973. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  27. ↑ "Nemiah Wilson Rejoins Raiders; 'Not In Shape'". The Fresno Bee. Associated Press. July 27, 1973. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  28. ↑ Hickey, Lowell (July 27, 1973). "Wilson has to fight Thomas for position". The Argus of Fremont, Newark, and Union City. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
  29. ↑ Spander, Art (July 26, 1973). "Skip Thomas' Turn in 1973?". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
  30. ↑ LaMarre, Tom (August 16, 1974). "Lions Thrown To Raiders' Meat-Eaters". Oakland Tribune. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
  31. ↑ Gohlke, Rich (September 10, 1973). "Raiders prep for opener". The Argus of Fremont, Newark, and Union City. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
  32. ↑ "Stabler wants title before he goes South". Staten Island Advance. August 25, 1974. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
  33. ↑ Soliday, Bill (August 22, 1974). "Lamonica around, but what's his number?". The Argus of Fremont, Newark, and Union City. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
  34. ↑ "Basically, It's Power Led by Gene Upshaw". The Buffalo News. September 16, 1974. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
  35. 1 2 3 4 "Nemo Gets His Wish In Trade to Chicago". Oakland Tribune. April 8, 1975. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
  36. ↑ Richardson, Ken (January 23, 1975). "Seeking middle linebacker?". The Argus of Fremont, Newark, and Union City. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
  37. ↑ "Bears get Nemiah Wilson". The Journal Times. Associated Press. April 8, 1975. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
  38. ↑ Husar, John (September 14, 1975). "Architect of the Turnabout". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
  39. ↑ Pierson, Don (November 26, 1975). "Edwards, Wilson rap medical care". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
  40. ↑ Maher, Charles (August 7, 1973). "BRONCOS' LITTLE". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 27, 2025.
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