Calgary Stampeders

Former Stampeders, Elks defensive back Terry Wilson dead at 83

by
3Down Staff
March 7, 2025

Photo courtesy: Calgary Stampeders

Former CFL defensive back Terry Wilson has passed away at the age of 83 following a long illness.

Wilson played nine seasons in the CFL, suiting up in 140 career games between Edmonton and Calgary. He caught two passes for 18 yards as a rookie with the Green and Gold in 1964, before amassing 16 interceptions and four fumble recoveries as a stalwart in the Stampeders’ secondary from 1968 to 1972. Tackles were not an official statistic during his career.

The Stanford product played a key role in the Stampeders’ run to a Grey Cup championship in 1971, intercepting a pass in the first game of the best-of-three West Final series against Saskatchewan. He is credited with three tackles, a forced fumble and a pass knockdown in the 59th Grey Cup against Toronto.

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Born in Montreal but raised in California, Wilson attended Stanford on an academic scholarship while playing both football and baseball. He graduated with a degree in civil engineering.

Wilson is survived by his sister Norma, his brother Brian, his wife Nancy and their five children – Kimberley, Jeffery, Kathie, Ken and Leah – as well as 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.