Wilber Marshall Standout Linebacker

Born on April 18, 1962, in Titusville, Florida, Wilber Marshall became a dominant linebacker for the University of Florida Gators from 1980 to 1983.

✦ College Career

A key figure in a defense that consistently stifled opponents, Marshall and his senior class achieved a program first by playing in four consecutive bowl games. His exceptional talent was evident early in his career, breaking school records for single-season sacks (11) and tackles for loss (16) as a sophomore. By the end of his collegiate tenure, Marshall had amassed a then-school-record 23 sacks and remains the Gators' career leader in tackles for loss with an astounding 58. His consistent brilliance earned him consensus First Team All-America honors twice, and in 1999, the Gainesville Sun fittingly named him their Defensive Player of the Century. His legendary college career was celebrated with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.  

✦ Rise to the NFL

Marshall's outstanding collegiate performance made him a highly sought-after prospect, and he was selected in the first round (11th overall) of the 1984 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He quickly became a vital component of the Bears' formidable "Monsters of the Midway" defense that famously won Super Bowl XX in January 1986. In 1988, he made history as one of the first modern NFL free agents to switch teams, signing with the Washington Redskins. He continued his stellar play in Washington, earning another Super Bowl ring in Super Bowl XXVI in 1992. His professional career also included stints with the Houston Oilers, Arizona Cardinals, and the New York Jets before his retirement in 1995.  

✦ Football Legacy

Wilber Marshall's football legacy is characterized by his ferocious playing style, exceptional athleticism, and consistent college and professional dominance. He was a disruptive force, equally adept at rushing the passer, stopping the run, and dropping into coverage. His leadership and playmaking ability were instrumental in the success of two Super Bowl-winning franchises. Marshall was recognized as an All-Pro three times for his outstanding NFL performance. He is also a member of the University of Florida's Ring of Honor, solidifying his place among the school's all-time greats. His rare combination of power and speed made him a nightmare for opposing offenses and cemented his status as one of the most impactful linebackers of his era.  

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

College:

✦ Two-time Consensus First Team All-American (1982, 1983)  

✦ Three-time First Team All-SEC (1981-1983)  

✦ ABC Sports National Defensive Player of the Year (1983)  

✦ Two-time Lombardi Award Finalist (1982, 1983)  

✦ Gainesville Sun Defensive Player of the Century (1999)  

✦ University of Florida Ring of Honor

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2008)  

Professional:

✦ Two-time Super Bowl Champion (XX, XXVI)  

✦ Two-time First-team All-Pro (1986, 1992)  

✦ Second-team All-Pro (1991)  

✦ Three-time Pro Bowl Selection (1986, 1987, 1992)  

✦ NFL 100 Greatest Bears of All-Time (Ranked #43)

✦ Washington Redskins 80 Greatest

✦ Career Stats (NFL):

✦ 179 Games Played (153 Starts)

✦ 1,043 Tackles

✦ 45 Sacks

✦ 23 Interceptions

✦ 3 Interception Touchdowns

✦ 24 Forced Fumbles

✦ 16 Fumble Recoveries

✦ 2 Fumble Recovery Touchdowns

Sources and related content courtesy Pro-Football-Reference.com, Wikipedia.com, NFF.org, NFL.com