He played college football for the Illinois Fighting Illini and was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft.

He also intercepted Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger twice in the Patriots 41–27 victory in the 2004 AFC Championship Game.

On March 14, 2008, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Wilson to a one-year, $1.8 million contract including $500,000 guaranteed.

During a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on August 31, 2009, Wilson fell victim to an illegal "crackback" block thrown by Brett Favre.

Wilson returned to the field on September 20, 2009, and started the second game of the season, recording an interception in the Texans' win over the Tennessee Titans.