Former Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Luis Sharpe has died, his wife Tameka Williams-Sharpe posted on Facebook on Saturday. Luis was 65 years old.
"With deep sorrow and abiding love, I share that my beloved husband, Luis Sharpe, has passed away,“ Tameka Williams-Sharpe said. ”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.”
Kevin McCabe reports that Luis Sharpe died peacefully from heart failure.
"My heart aches tonight, learning that former Arizona Cardinal star OL Luis Sharpe has died,“ he posted on Twitter. ”An NFL Pro Bowler, who struggled with demons, alcohol and drugs, had been clean and sober for years. He died peacefully of heart failure. Godspeed my friend."
Sharpe was drafted in the first round of the 1982 NFL Draft out of UCLA. He was selected with the No. 16 overall pick.
He went on to become one of the best tackles in the NFL and arguably the best tackle in Cardinals history, earning three Pro Bowl selections and being named second-team All-Pro in 1990.
Sharpe battled alcohol and drug addiction during his NFL career and in the years after it, according to the Arizona Republic.
He was reportedly arrested multiple times, jailed and shot.
Per the Arizona Republic, Luis Sharpe was sober for the last eight years of his life. He reportedly credits Bible study in prison for helping him to turn his life around.
“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.”
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