Former Cardinals Pro Bowl OL Luis Sharpe dies at 65

Former Cardinals offensive lineman Luis Sharpe has died at the age of 65.

Sharpe’s widow Tameka Williams-Sharpe announced the news of Sharpe’s death on Saturday.

“With deep sorrow and abiding love, I share that my beloved husband, Luis Sharpe, has passed away,” Williams-Sharpe wrote. “His strength, love, and faith were a light to all who knew him. I am grateful for every moment we shared and for the many prayers and kindnesses extended to our family.

“Though my heart is heavy, I trust that Luis is now resting in God’s eternal peace. Please continue to keep our family lifted in prayer.”

Sharpe played 13 seasons with the Cardinals’ organization from 1982-1994. His tenure with the team began while they were in St. Louis and he remained with them following their move to Phoenix, Arizona. He also played for the Memphis Showboats of the USFL in 1985.

Sharpe played college football at UCLA and was the No. 16 overall pick in the 1982 draft. He played in 189 career NFL games and made the Pro Bowl in every season from 1987-1989.

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill also issued a statement regarding Sharpe’s death.

“Throughout his lengthy and accomplished career with the Cardinals, Luis Sharpe exhibited an uncommon type of strength and toughness that made him so successful as a player. Admirably, he would later demonstrate those same traits in dealing with the personal challenges he faced when his career was over. We send our deepest condolences to all of those who loved Luis, in particular his family and former teammates.”

One of Sharpe’s former Cardinals teammates, Kevin McCabe, said that Sharpe died of heart failure.