The Dallas Cowboys say former NFL quarterback and longtime assistant coach Wade Wilson has died.
The Cowboys said Wilson passed away Friday at his home in Coppell, Texas. The team didn’t specify a cause of death for Wilson, who died on his 60th birthday.
Wilson had Type 1 diabetes for more than 30 years and even had a toe amputated in 2016. It is unknown if his diabetes led to his death.
Wilson played for five NFL teams from 1981-98. He played 10 seasons for the Minnesota Vikings, leading them to the 1987 NFC championship game. He also played for the Atlanta Falcons (1992), New Orleans Saints (1993-94), Cowboys (1995-97) and Oakland Raiders (1998). He was Troy Aikman’s backup when the Cowboys won their last Super Bowl title during the 1995 season.
Wilson began his coaching career as the Cowboys quarterback coach from 2000-02, and returned to that role from 2007-17. He coached with the Chicago Bears from 2004-06.
Wilson completed his NFL career with a 75.6 quarterback rating on 1,391-of-2,428 passing for 17,283 yards. His best statistical year was 1988 when he led the NFC with a 91.5 quarterback rating and completed 204-of-332 passes (61.4 percent) for 2,746 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
During his three years in Dallas, Wilson threw for 585 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions on 58-of-96 passing for a 63.9 rating. He earned one start (at Washington, 12/22/96) in his three-year stay in Dallas. Born in Commerce, Texas, Wilson graduated from Commerce High School and lettered four years at East Texas State University, where he earned NAIA All-America and Lone Star Conference MVP honors as a senior while leading the conference in passing and total offense.
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