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Former Cardinals offensive lineman Luis Sharpe died suddenly from heart failure at the age of 65 years old. Luis Sharpe’s wife, Tameka Williams-Sharpe, posted news of his death on Facebook on Saturday, July 12.

“With deep sorrow and abiding love, I share that my beloved husband, Luis Sharpe, has passed away,” she wrote. “His strength, love, and faith were a light to all who knew him. I am grateful for every moment we shared and for the many prayers and kindnesses extended to our family.

“Though my heart is heavy, I trust that Luis is now resting in God’s eternal peace. Please continue to keep our family lifted in prayer.”

Luis was born on June 16th, 1960, in Havana Cuba. His family moved to Detroit when he was 6 years old. Sharpe excelled in athletics at Southwestern High School in Detroit, but it was football where he earned a scholarship to play College Football at UCLA. In his freshman year, Sharpe was one of three Bruins to win the John F. Boncheff, Jr., Memorial Trophy for Rookie of the Year. Sharpe became one of the most decorated offensive linemen to ever play at UCLA, earning him All-American honors in College Football.

The St. Louis Football Cardinals selected Luis in the first round (16th overall) in 1982. Sharpe played 13 years with the Cardinals from 1982-1994, where he was a 3-time pro bowler and spent time playing for the Memphis Showboats of the USFL in 1985. Off the field, Sharpe faced the harsh reality of life after Football, where he battled alcohol and drug addiction, which only got worse when he was arrested multiple times, jailed, and shot twice during drug transactions.

Sharpe cleaned himself up and became a Christian, and was involved in NFL charities like Basket of Hope, which provided gift baskets for children with severe illnesses. His daughter Rebekah teamed up to address the drug and mental health crises by sharing their story about addiction and its effect on their life. He survived with his wife Tameka and his daughter Rebekah.