Wade Wilson
Questions about Wade Wilson or the Vikings?
Wade Wilson Legacy
HEYTC AIWade Wilson Rating Breakdown
Wade Wilson Career Stats via Wikipedia
Wade Wilson Career Timeline
HEYTC AI2000 1
Retirement After Coaching Stint
Officially hung up his cleats after brief playing comeback attempts, transitioning fully to coaching. Career totals: 66 starts, 10,563 yards, 59 TDs, 81 INTs over 17 NFL seasons.
1997 1
Super Bowl XXXI Appearance as Backup
Came out of retirement to serve as third-string QB for the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXI. Did not play but was part of the Super Bowl-winning roster against the Patriots.
1995 1
Return Engagement with Saints
Re-signed with the Saints for one final season, backing up Jim Everett in 6 games with minimal stats before retiring at age 36.
1994 1
Brief Stint with Raiders
Signed with the Oakland Raiders midseason as insurance after injuries to their QBs. Appeared in 3 games, going 1-for-4 in limited action.
1993 1
Signed with Saints
Inked a contract with the New Orleans Saints as a veteran backup, playing in 10 games and starting 3, throwing for 1,088 yards, 6 TDs, and 4 INTs.
1992 2
Signed with Falcons
Joined the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent, serving as backup to Chris Miller. Appeared in 5 games, completing 9 of 20 passes for 99 yards.
Released by Vikings After 10 Years
After a decade in Minnesota (1981-1991), Wilson was released during training camp amid competition from new QB acquisitions. He had started 69 games for the Vikings.
1991 1
NFL Comeback Player of the Year
Bounced back from injury to lead the Vikings to an 8-8 record, throwing for 2,754 yards, 13 TDs, and 13 INTs. Named NFL Comeback Player of the Year by Pro Football Writers.
1989 1
Major Knee Injury
Suffered a devastating knee injury in Week 3 against the Bengals, sidelining him for the entire season after surgery. This was a turning point that affected his mobility long-term.
1988 1
Pro Bowl Season & NFC Championship
Wilson had a breakout year, leading the Vikings to a 11-5 record with 3,416 yards, 15 TDs, and just 10 INTs (88.1 passer rating). Earned his first and only Pro Bowl selection and guided Minnesota to the NFC Championship Game, losing to the 49ers.
1984 1
First Significant Starts with Vikings
Wilson made his first notable NFL starts in 1984, appearing in 7 games and completing 52.9% of his passes for 1,099 yards, 4 TDs, and 10 INTs while filling in for the injured Kramer.
1981 1
Drafted by Vikings
Wade Wilson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings as a fourth-round pick (#210 overall) in the 1981 NFL Draft out of Iowa State. He initially served as a backup behind starter Tommy Kramer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wade Wilson
How does J.J. McCarthy compare to Wade Wilson?
J.J. McCarthy's got the keys to the Vikings kingdom now as the fresh-faced starter, but Wade Wilson carved a tougher path—17,283 yards, 99 TDs over 17 gritty seasons, Pro Bowl in '88 leading the league in completion percentage, and that sneaky Super Bowl ring as Aikman's backup. McCarthy's unproven; Wilson's the purple blueprint he better study.
Is Wade Wilson in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Nope, Wade Wilson never made it to Canton—no bust waiting for him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Guy slung it for 17k yards and 99 scores across five teams, snagged a Pro Bowl nod, and backed up to a Super Bowl win, but the Hall's gatekeepers said nah. Still a Vikings cult hero.
How would Wade Wilson perform in today's NFL?
Wade Wilson in 2026? Those pass-happy rules—no more mugging QBs—would've juiced his gunslinger arm and '88 completion perch. Tough pocket scrambler with ice-water poise, he'd feast on zone coverages, maybe post 4,000-yard seasons backing up Tarkenton's scramble DNA. But that O-line? Modern edges would expose it.
How does Wade Wilson compare to Fran Tarkenton?
Fran Tarkenton lapped Wade Wilson as Vikings royalty—47.86 passer rating to Wilson's 16.18, Scramblin' Fran revolutionizing the position with 47k yards while Wilson grinded 17k in the shadows. Both purple hearts, but Tark's the scrambler king; Wade's the reliable lieutenant who hit the Pro Bowl and snuck a ring elsewhere.