Wright was born on November 6, 1939, in Toledo, Ohio and attended Scott High School.

He played football for Ohio State University and started on the Buckeyes' offensive line in 1958 and 1959.

[2][3] Wright was an original member of the Los Angeles Chargers of the American Football League in 1960.

Wright was a starter for the Chargers in their 51–10 victory over the Boston Patriots in the 1963 AFL Championship game.

Chargers Hall of Fame coach Sid Gillman called the tandem of Wright and Hall-of-Famer Ron Mix "The best pair of offensive tackles in pro football."