Logo

Former Detroit Lions cornerback Stanley Wilson Jr. died after collapsing at Metropolitan State Hospital in Los Angeles County earlier this month, according to TMZ. He was 40 years old.

Wilson — who is the son of former Bengals running back Stanley Wilson Sr. — was reportedly transferred to the medical facility on Feb. 1, after he was in police custody in county jail due to a vandalism arrest in August.

Wilson was arrested after he allegedly broke into a Hollywood Hills home, took a bath in an outdoor fountain and raided the property, TMZ reported at the time.

Wilson was declared incompetent to stand trial, according to prosecutors, resulting in his transfer to Metropolitan State Hospital, which specializes in mental health care.


  Former Detroit Lions cornerback Stanley Wilson Jr. prior to playing the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 23, 2007 in Philadelphia, PA. USA TODAY Sports/IMAGN Former Detroit Lions cornerback Stanley Wilson Jr. prior to playing the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 23, 2007 in Philadelphia, PA. USA TODAY Sports/IMAGN

  Stanley Wilson in 2006 Getty Images Stanley Wilson in 2006 Getty Images

Wilson was a third-round draft pick by the Lions in 2005. He played two seasons with Detroit before suffering a career-ending Achilles tear in a preseason game against the Giants in 2008. 

Wilson recorded a career 89 total tackles, eight pass deflections and one forced fumble.

The former NFL player collapsed and died during intake at the medical facility, law enforcement sources told the outlet.

A cause of death was not disclosed, and autopsy results are pending toxicology. Foul play is reportedly not suspected.

Wilson has an arrest history of home invasions dating back to 2016, after his playing career ended.


  Stanley Wilson after an arrest on Jan. 10, 2017 Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Stanley Wilson after an arrest on Jan. 10, 2017 Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

  Wilson’s second mug shot from 2017 Marion County Sheriff's Office Wilson’s second mug shot from 2017 Marion County Sheriff's Office

In June 2016, Wilson was shot in the abdomen during an attempted break-in at a home in Southwest Portland while allegedly naked. He was charged with attempted burglary.

In January 2017, Wilson was arrested again in Portland for allegedly walking around a neighborhood naked. He was arrested a third time in February 2017 for breaking into another home while naked.

Wilson played four seasons on the Stanford Cardinal football team from 2001 to 2004.

It’s unclear if Wilson was married or had children.

Comments
anonymous profile image
Powered by RoundtableBuilt on infrastructure designed for real-time media. Learn more at RTB.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy