Former Cardinals great Luis Sharpe dies at age 65
It is a sad day for many linked to the Cardinals of Arizona. One of their best players in the 80s and 90s died.
Friday, reported by Kevin McCabe, former Cardinal Luis Sharpe died peacefully from heart failure. He was 65 years old.
Sharpe was a choice of first round of the Cardinals of Saint-Louis in 1982 and it was their departure left tackle for 13 seasons from 1982 to 1994. He did Pro Bowls three times and appointed the second All-Pro team twice.
On Saturday, the owner Michael Bidwill made a statement on the death of Sharpe, shared on social networks and on the official website of the team.
– Cardinals of Arizona (@azcardinals) July 12, 2025
"Throughout his long and made career with the cardinals, Luis Sharpe presented a type of unusual strength and tenacity that made him success as a player. Admirably, he would later demonstrate these same features in the treatment of personal challenges with which he was confronted at the end of his career. We send our deepest condolences to all those who loved Luis, in particular his family and his former teammates."
Sharpe fought against drug addiction during and after his career in the NFL. He survived to be shot, spent time in prison and later remained sober and clean for years.
He could have been the best left tackle of the cardinals.
The death of Luis Sharpe: reactions of those who knew him
Many people who played with him, covered the cardinals or met him during his career reacted to his death.
Sad day. Covered Luis Sharpe in Saint-Louis and spoke to him last year or the previous year when he was in a cardinal camp cabinet. RIP. 🙏 to the family.
– Howard Balzer (@ hbalzer721) July 12, 2025
I love you, Luis.
– Ron Wolfley (@ wolf987fm) July 12, 2025
Wolfley was his teammate.
My heart hurts this evening, learning that the former Cardinal star of Arizona Ol Luis Sharpe has died. An NFL Pro launcher, who fought with demons, alcohol and drugs, was clean and sober for years. He died peacefully of heart failure. Bodnspeed my friend ❤️🙏#Uclapic.twitter.com/cg3fbeerup
– Kevin McCabe (@ kevinmcaba987) July 12, 2025
I will never forget when Luis Sharpe came to speak during a large outdoor assembly in my primary school the year when the cardinals moved to Arizona. Everyone was just excited to have an overview. https://t.co/nc2z15nbeo
– Shane Dale (@Shanedaleaz) July 12, 2025
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals Great Luis Sharpe died at 65
