In 1965, Wilson was selected in the 20th round of the National Football League (NFL) draft by the Detroit Lions, with the overall 277th pick.
[1] However, he eventually signed with the AFL's Buffalo Bills, who selected him as the 96th pick in the 12th round of the Red Shirt draft.
[5] On October 16, 1966, Wilson led the Miami Dolphins to their first win, defeating the Denver Broncos by a score of 24–7.
[5] Prior to the 1967 season, Wilson, along with Earl Faison, Cookie Gilchrist, and Ernie Park, were traded to the Broncos in exchange for Abner Haynes, Jerry Hopkins, Dan LaRose, and a draft pick.
[7] Wilson became a free agent and signed with the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts on April 23, 1968,[8] before being cut by the team in the following months.