Former Packers LB debuts with pivotal 4th-quarter play for Vikings in MNF victory 1 Green Bay Packers linebacker Eric Wilson (45) celebrates after intercepting a fourth quarter pass against the Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) during their football game on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Former Packers LB debuts with pivotal 4th-quarter play for Vikings in MNF victory

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Sep 9, 2025 7:00 AM ET

Reunited with his original franchise, former Packers linebacker Eric Wilson made his season debut alongside Vikings teammates for Monday Night Football in Chicago. Recording five tackles and a TFL, Wilson did work all night long, but it was his involvement in a pivotal play in the final period that most helped to set up a 27-24 comeback win.

Ex-Packers linebacker Wilson comes up big for old, now new team

After the defense stalled the Bears’ drive near midfield, Minnesota prepared to get the ball back, possibly deep in their own territory, up 20-17 halfway through the fourth quarter. It was Wilson who got his hands on the punt off the foot of Bears kicker Tory Taylor.

Instead of having the ball inside their own 20, the Vikings took over past the 30 after Wilson’s deflection took the air out of the kick. The Bears only made out as fortunately as they did, with a 25-yard punt, because the ball rolled a good 8-10 yards downfield after fluttering to the turf.

At that point, the Vikings sideline could barely be contained. A pumped up Wilson bounced over to the frenzy for congratulatory helmet slaps. Everything seemed to be working in Minnesota’s favor. The defense had handcuffed the Bears’ offense. Minnesota’s own unit went from looking lost and anemic to having its way. Now they were getting the ball back.

Capitalizing on better than anticipated field position, the offense promptly punched it in for another seven, essentially clinching the game although the Bears later scored in desperation mode.

The game and his performance in it marked a triumphant start to Wilson’s eighth year in the league, the last three of which he spent with the Packers. Among their free agent linebackers this offseason, they chose to bring back Isaiah McDuffie but let Wilson walk. Each of the two years prior, he and the Packers agreed to single-season contracts. This time around, he signed a one-year, $2.6 million deal to rejoin the organization where he began his career, in Minnesota.

Former Packers LB debuts with pivotal 4th-quarter play for Vikings in MNF victory 2 Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) gets a first down reception against Green Bay Packers safety Javon Bullard (20) and linebacker Eric Wilson (45) in the second quarter during their football game Sunday, December 29, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

All in all, Wilson appeared in 47 games in the Green and Gold. Last season, the solid run defender registered 72 tackles, two sacks, and an interception, his best season since first leaving Minnesota in 2021.

He will have his first chance to see familiar Packers faces on the field in Week 12 at Lambeau, on November 23.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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