Former Arizona Cardinals left tackle Luis Sharpe, a three-time Pro Bowl selection widely regarded as the best left tackle in franchise history, died at age 65 on Friday, July 11. His wife, Tameka Williams-Sharpe, announced his death on Facebook on July 12, sharing that his “strength, love, and faith were a light to all who knew him.”
Sharpe played all 13 seasons of his NFL career with the Cardinals franchise from 1982 to 1994, starting every game he played in his 189-game career. The Cuba-born lineman was selected 16th overall by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1982 NFL Draft out of UCLA and remained with the franchise through its relocation from St. Louis to Phoenix and ultimately to Arizona.
The 6-foot-5, 275-pound tackle earned Pro Bowl honors three consecutive years from 1987 to 1989 and received second-team All-Pro selections in 1988 and 1990. He also earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors during his first season. Sharpe’s career spanned the franchise’s transition through three different cities, playing his first six seasons in St. Louis and his final seven seasons in Arizona, with the first six under the Phoenix Cardinals name.
Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill released a statement acknowledging Sharpe’s contributions both on and off the field. Bidwill noted that throughout his lengthy career with the Cardinals, Sharpe exhibited an uncommon type of strength and toughness that made him successful as a player. He added that Sharpe would later demonstrate those same traits in dealing with personal challenges he faced after his career ended.
Following his retirement from football, Sharpe faced significant personal struggles with alcohol and drug addiction. He was arrested multiple times, spent time in jail, and was shot twice during drug transactions. However, Sharpe turned his life around and had been sober for eight years prior to his death. According to a December 2024 interview with the Detroit Free Press, Sharpe credited intensive Bible study he began in prison as the turning point in his life.
Sharpe told the Detroit Free Press that as an athlete, his self-esteem came from fan applause and accolades, but after being homeless, penniless and hopeless, he found more peace and joy than during his NFL days because God had taken his mess and turned it into a message. He indicated that he felt more significant helping others than he ever did during his professional football career.
In his final years, Sharpe dedicated himself to helping others overcome similar struggles. He spent time counseling patients at a Detroit sobriety clinic and worked with the NFL to assist former players with their health in their post-playing days. He also served as an ambassador for Hall of Fame Health, an affiliate of the Pro Football Hall of Fame that aims to positively impact the health of former NFL players and communities nationwide.
Together with his daughter Rebekah, Sharpe addressed drug and mental health crises by sharing their story about addiction and its effects on their lives. He frequently spoke at events, representing what he described as a message of hope. Sharpe emphasized the importance of being authentic and transparent, believing that what comes from the heart touches the heart.
Sharpe said in 2020 that he recognized he had overcome numerous obstacles and challenges, and that God wanted him to share his life with others, telling them about his fall from grace and demonstrating that if he could stand as a productive member of society, so could they. He described his greatest curse as having turned into his greatest blessing.
According to Arizona-based radio host Kevin McCabe, who initially reported Sharpe’s death, the former offensive lineman died peacefully of heart failure. In her Facebook announcement, Williams-Sharpe expressed gratitude for every moment they shared and for the prayers and kindnesses extended to their family. She indicated that though her heart was heavy, she trusted that Luis was now resting in God’s eternal peace.
The Cardinals confirmed Sharpe’s death through his family on Saturday. Williams-Sharpe requested that people continue to keep their family lifted in prayer during this difficult time. Sharpe is survived by his wife and his daughter Rebekah.
Sharpe’s legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements to his post-career transformation and dedication to helping others facing similar struggles. His story serves as an example of redemption and the power of faith in overcoming life’s most challenging obstacles. The Cardinals organization and the broader NFL community have expressed their condolences to Sharpe’s family and former teammates.
