Former Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson has passed away at the age of 43.
Wilkerson, who also played for the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks, was reportedly found dead after suffering a heart attack.
A sixth-round pick in the 2003 NFL Draft, Wilkerson won a national championship with the Olkahoma Sooners before making the move to the pros.
He is understood to have died on December 13.
“He was a great teammate,” former Saints linebacker Scott Shanle said. “He fit into our locker room perfect. He was only here for a year but we were talking about it on our group chat, and everybody remembered Jimmy. He was just a standup dude.”
RIP Jimmy Wilkerson. Gone way to soon. Forever a Buc. pic.twitter.com/arHKhDn0US
— Liam Mitchell (Bucs Vault) (@BucsArchive1976) December 17, 2024
Jimmy Wilkerson’s Death Was A Total Shock
Jimmy Wilkerson played 119 games, making 21 starts. He registered 14 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, eight passes defensed, 23 tackles for loss, and 179 tackles before leaving the league in 2011.
He was an assistant coach at Carl Albert at the time of his passing.
“Friday morning, a few hours before the Titans were scheduled to have their final practice and walk-through before Saturday’s title game, Jimmy was at home when a call went out to 911. By the time paramedics got there, he had no pulse,” The Oklahoman reported.
“He’d had a heart attack. He was only 43.
“His death left everyone at Carl Albert reeling. The coaches who had become like brothers. The players who had become like sons. But of course, it hit Maddox like no one else.”
TPS extends condolences to Jimmy’s family, friends, loved ones, and the football program at Carl Albert.
R.I.P., Jimmy Wilkerson – 1981-2024
