John Parker Wilson

John Parker Wilson
refer to caption
Wilson during his time at Alabama
No. 14
Position:Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (1985-10-17) October 17, 1985 (age 39)
Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:217 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High school:Hoover (Hoover, Alabama)
College:Alabama
Undrafted:2009
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Stats at Pro Football Reference

John Parker Wilson (born October 17, 1985) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). Wilson played college football at the University of Alabama. He went undrafted during the 2009 NFL draft before signing with the Atlanta Falcons.

College career

Freshman season

After helping lead Hoover High School to high school state championships in 2002 and 2003, Wilson accepted a scholarship offer to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide.[1][2] At the time, he also had scholarship offers from several Southeastern Conference schools, including Alabama's rival, Tennessee.[2] He saw limited playing time during his freshman year, backing up full-time starter Brodie Croyle. His first career touchdown came against South Carolina, a 36-yard pass to wide receiver Keith Brown, in Alabama's 37–14 rout of the Gamecocks. Wilson led a late touchdown drive against Auburn when Alabama was behind 28–10 and he added a two-point conversion pass to make the final score 28–18.[3] He would finish the season with only 98 yards and two touchdowns.[4]

Sophomore season

In 2006, Wilson started all 13 games for the Crimson Tide. He finished the season with a passing efficiency of 128.92, completing 216–of–379 passes for 2,707 yards, 17 touchdowns, and ten interceptions. He threw for over 200 yards in the first seven games of the season, setting a new school record, and finished with a school record nine 200-yard games.[5]

  • His best game was at Arkansas (completing 80.0% of his passes for 243 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions)[6]
  • He had strong performances at LSU (completing 62.9% of his passes, throwing for 291 yards, two touchdowns, and 1 interception), and against Ole Miss (completing 57.1% of his passes, throwing for 206 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions)[7][8]
  • He had a solid performance in a loss against rival Auburn (completing 54.5% of his passes for 252 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception). Wilson also fumbled twice on sacks against Auburn and both fumbles were recovered by Auburn which set up touchdowns for Auburn. He was intercepted by David Irons late in the fourth quarter to seal the win for Auburn.[9]
  • His worst games were against Mississippi State (completing only 48.7% of his passes and throwing two interceptions), at Florida (completing 52.5% of his passes, but throwing three interceptions), and at Tennessee (completing only 44.8% of his passes).[10][11][12]

Junior season

In 2007, Wilson started 13 games for Alabama in head coach Nick Saban's first year. His passer rating was 114.6, completing 255–of–462 passes for 2,846 yards, 18 touchdowns (a school record) and 12 interceptions.[13] He was sacked 25 times during the season. His best performance was against rival Tennessee, in which he completed 32 of 46 passing attempts for 367 yards and three touchdowns. Another notable performance was his winning touchdown against Arkansas with eight seconds left in the game.[14][15] Against Auburn, Wilson scored on a quarterback sneak and had a tipped pass intercepted in the end zone by Jerraud Powers of Auburn in a 17–10 loss, which was Alabama's sixth straight loss to Auburn.[16]

Senior season

In his senior season, Wilson was again the starting quarterback, ahead of Greg McElroy. He led the Crimson Tide to a 12–2 season, with victories against #9 Clemson Tigers, #3 Georgia Bulldogs, and #15 LSU Tigers.[17][18][19] In the regular season finale, he led Alabama to 36–0 victory over in-state rival Auburn in the Iron Bowl, ending a six-game losing streak to the Tigers.[20] After finishing the regular season 12–0, #1 Alabama eventually lost to #2 Florida in the SEC Championship Game.[21] In the 2009 Sugar Bowl, Alabama was defeated by the Utah Utes by a score of 31–17.[22]

When his career at Alabama ended, Wilson was amongst the most prolific quarterbacks in school history.[23]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight 40-yard dash 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump
6 ft 2 in
(1.88 m) 		219 lb
(99 kg) 		4.87 s 4.59 s 7.53 s 29.5 in
(0.75 m)		 8 ft 9 in
(2.67 m)
All values from NFL Combine[24][25]

Atlanta Falcons

Wilson was signed by the Atlanta Falcons after going undrafted in the 2009 NFL draft.[26] He did not play in any regular season games. Wilson played most of the game during the 2010 preseason game against the New England Patriots. He assisted in scoring one touchdown during that game.[27] He was released during final cuts on September 3, 2011, and re-signed to the Falcons' practice squad the following day.[28][29] On December 2, 2011, it was reported that the Vikings tried to sign Wilson off of the Falcons practice squad. Instead, Wilson chose to sign to the Falcons' 53 man roster.[30] On August 26, 2012, he was waived by the Falcons in order for the team to maintain a league mandatory 75-man roster during the preseason.[31]

Jacksonville Jaguars

Wilson was signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad on September 1, 2012.[32] He was promoted to the active roster on October 27 and released on October 29.[33][34] He was signed back to the practice squad on October 31. Wilson was signed to the active roster after the conclusion of the 2012 season. He was released by the team on February 27, 2013.[35]

Pittsburgh Steelers

One day after being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Pittsburgh Steelers claimed Wilson off of waivers.[36] The Steelers were the only NFL franchise to make a claim for Wilson.[37] Wilson was later released by the Steelers on August 25, 2013.[38]

After his time with the Steelers, Wilson did not sign with another NFL team.

Personal life

After his football career, he became a financial adviser, currently[when?] working for Morgan Stanley.[39][40]

Wilson rejoined Alabama in 2017 to assist in practice with the scout team, mimicking the mannerisms and play of LSU quarterback Danny Etling to prepare the team.[41]

On July 26, 2018, Wilson agreed to become the new color commentator for Alabama football.[42]

Wilson is married and lives with his wife in Birmingham.[39]

References

  1. ^ Wood, Wayne (January 31, 2013). "Hoover Bucs A Rich QB Tradition 1969–2012". Hoover High School Athletics. Archived from the original on March 6, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  2. ^ a b "John Parker Wilson – Yahoo! Sports". Rivals.com. Archived from the original on January 18, 2016. Retrieved January 12, 2011.
  3. ^ "Shula wins just third road game with 'Bama". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 17, 2005. Archived from the original on February 28, 2011. Retrieved January 12, 2011.
  4. ^ "John Parker Wilson 2005 Game Log". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 6, 2023. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  5. ^ "John Parker Wilson 2006 Game Log". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 6, 2023. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  6. ^ "Alabama at Arkansas Box Score, September 23, 2006". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on December 3, 2019. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  7. ^ "Alabama at LSU Box Score, November 11, 2006". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on June 19, 2021. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  8. ^ "Ole Miss at Alabama Box Score, October 14, 2006". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  9. ^ "Auburn at Alabama Box Score, November 18, 2006". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  10. ^ "Mississippi State at Alabama Box Score, November 4, 2006". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on December 3, 2019. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  11. ^ "Alabama at Florida Box Score, September 30, 2006". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  12. ^ "Alabama at Tennessee Box Score, October 21, 2006". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on December 3, 2019. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  13. ^ "John Parker Wilson 2007 Game Log". Sports Reference. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  14. ^ "Arkansas at Alabama Box Score, September 15, 2007". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on December 3, 2019. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  15. ^ "Alabama notches biggest win in series with Vols since 1986". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 20, 2007. Archived from the original on January 22, 2016. Retrieved July 5, 2008.
  16. ^ "Alabama at Auburn Box Score, November 24, 2007". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on May 11, 2019. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  17. ^ "Clemson vs Alabama Box Score, August 30, 2008". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on January 20, 2018. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  18. ^ "Alabama at Georgia Box Score, September 27, 2008". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on December 3, 2019. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  19. ^ "Alabama at LSU Box Score, November 8, 2008". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on February 19, 2018. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  20. ^ "Auburn at Alabama Box Score, November 29, 2008". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on February 5, 2018. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  21. ^ "Florida vs Alabama Box Score, December 6, 2008". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on February 5, 2018. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  22. ^ "Sugar Bowl – Utah vs Alabama Box Score, January 2, 2009". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on February 5, 2018. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  23. ^ "Alabama Crimson Tide Passing". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 6, 2023. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  24. ^ John Parker Wilson (QB). "2009 NFL Draft Profile". Nfl.com. Archived from the original on March 5, 2014. Retrieved March 5, 2014.
  25. ^ "John Parker Wilson Combine Work out". Nfl.com. Archived from the original on March 5, 2014. Retrieved March 5, 2014.
  26. ^ "Team adds 10 undrafted players, make roster moves". Atlanta Falcons. April 28, 2009. Archived from the original on April 30, 2009.
  27. ^ Tunison, Michael (August 19, 2010). "NFL Preseason: Welker In Uniform As Patriots Visit Falcons". SBNation.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  28. ^ Ledbetter, D. Orlando (September 3, 2011). "Falcons release John Parker Wilson, nine others". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on March 6, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  29. ^ Yasinskas, Pat (September 4, 2011). "John Parker Wilson returns to Falcons". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  30. ^ Choate, Dave (December 4, 2011). "John Parker Wilson Signed To Active Roster". The Falcoholic. Archived from the original on March 6, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  31. ^ Bardeen, Knox (August 28, 2012). "Atlanta Falcons: Releasing John Parker Wilson a Matter of Roster Eligibility". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on March 6, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  32. ^ Stites, Adam (September 1, 2012). "Jaguars Sign John Parker Wilson, Three Others To Practice Squad". Big Cat Country. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  33. ^ "Jaguars promote Wilson to add depth at QB". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 27, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  34. ^ "Jaguars make roster moves". Jaguars.com. October 30, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  35. ^ "Jacksonville Jaguars release former Alabama QB John Parker Wilson". AL.com. Associated Press. February 28, 2013. Archived from the original on April 16, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  36. ^ "QB Wilson claimed off waivers". Steelers.com. March 1, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  37. ^ "Steelers claim former Alabama QB off waivers". WTAE. March 1, 2013. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  38. ^ Heim, Mark (August 25, 2013). "Former Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson released by Steelers". AL.com. Archived from the original on August 26, 2013. Retrieved August 26, 2013.
  39. ^ a b Goldman, Laura (May 31, 2016). "Where Are They Now? Catching up with John Parker Wilson". AL.com. Archived from the original on May 31, 2016. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  40. ^ Alexander, Alan (November 14, 2014). "From shoulder pads to suits: Alabama's John Parker Wilson". Biz Journals. Archived from the original on November 27, 2014. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  41. ^ Casagrande, Michael (November 5, 2016). "Alabama uses another former QB on scout team for LSU prep". AL.com. Archived from the original on November 8, 2016. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
  42. ^ Bratton, Michael Wayne (July 26, 2018). "Alabama names John Parker Wilson as new color commentator". Saturday Down South. Archived from the original on March 6, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2023.