He had a reputation for a strong arm and quick release, when he received a scholarship from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign in the Big Ten Conference.
[1] The highlight of Wilson's career was in 1980 against Ohio State on November 8, when he threw for 621 yards,[2][3] an NCAA record that lasted eight years.
[1] The New Orleans Saints under new head coach Bum Phillips took him with the first pick of that years draft [4][5][6] as the heir apparent to longtime starter Archie Manning.
Torn ligaments in his left knee incurred in a preseason game on August 12, 1982, required surgery and ended his year;[7][8] it affected his mobility for the rest of his career.
Wilson spent his entire career with the Saints, until his retirement prior to the 1990 season.