By MAX WINTERS
Published: 15:29 EDT, 12 July 2025 | Updated: 15:41 EDT, 12 July 2025
Arizona Cardinals legend Luis Sharpe has died at the age of 65.
Sharpe's wife, Tameka, made the 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 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.'