Stanley Wilson Jr., who previously played in the NFL for the Detroit Lions franchise, reportedly passed away earlier this month at age 40.
According to TMZ, Wilson Jr., who is the son of former Bengals running back Stanley Wilson Sr., passed away following a medical emergency at a mental health hospital in California.
Wilson Jr., who has been incarcerated since last August on vandalism charges, was recently declared incompetent to stand trial for his offenses. As a result, the ex-Lions’ cornerback was transferred from a county jail facility to the Metropolitan State Hospital in Los Angeles County on February 1.
According to reports, Wilson Jr. collapsed, and later died, during the intake process at the facility that specializes in care for individuals with mental health issues. Even though the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending, officials believe foul play was not involved in Wilson Jr.’s death.
The entire saga, which unfortunately turned fatal, began last year after Wilson Jr. was initially taken into police custody. He was accused of breaking into a Hollywood Hills home, where he reportedly ransacked the owner’s belongings before taking a bath in a fountain outside of the property. However, Wilson Jr.’s 2022 arrest follows a disturbing string of legal issues the Oklahoma City native has experienced in recent years.
In 2016 he was arrested after being shot in the stomach following his attempt to break into a home in Portland while fully nude. The following year he was arrested twice for allegedly walking around a Portland neighborhood naked, in addition to another attempted break-in.
After being picked up in the third round of the NFL Draft in 2005, Wilson Jr. played three full seasons in the NFL — all for the Detroit Lions. While there are still multiple unanswered questions surrounding his death, Wilson Jr.’s mental health issues are far from unique to NFL players.
Numerous former NFL players have opened up about their personal battles with mental health following their retirement from the league. Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson and former Broncos player Brandon Marshall have both openly spoken about their experiences with mental health.
Super Bowl champion tight end Rob Gronkowski has also been transparent about his battles with mental health and the Cowboys’ former star wide receiver Dez Bryant recently revealed he has dealt with depression and suicidal thoughts.
Countless other former NFL players have also succumbed to the pressures of their mental health crisis including former linebacker Junior Seau who passed away at age 43 due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Rest in peace Stanley Wilson Jr., Hollywood Unlocked extends condolences to his family and close friends.