The football world is grieving the loss of Jimmy Wilkerson, a former standout defensive end for the Oklahoma Sooners and an NFL veteran, who passed away at the age of 43 following a reported heart attack. Renowned for his exceptional talent and remarkable versatility, Wilkerson was a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s formidable defenses in the early 2000s, leaving an enduring legacy in both college and professional football.
Born and raised in Texas, Jimmy Boyd Wilkerson became a defensive stalwart at the University of Oklahoma, where he built an impressive collegiate career. Over 38 games, including 24 starts, he showcased his dominance with 130 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 28 quarterback pressures, 13 passes defensed, and four forced fumbles. His consistent excellence earned him All-Big XII honors and solidified his status as a key contributor to the Sooners’ success during his time there.
In 2003, Wilkerson took the next step in his football journey when he was selected in the sixth round of the NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. Over five seasons with the Chiefs (2003–2007), he proved to be a dependable and versatile presence on the defensive line, capable of excelling in both starting roles and rotational duties. In 2007, the Chiefs recognized his value by re-signing him on a one-year contract.
Wilkerson’s career progressed further in 2008 when he signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During his first season with the Buccaneers, he played in all 16 games, contributing 23 tackles, five sacks, and a forced fumble.
His standout performance earned him a starting role in 2009, and he rose to the occasion, delivering a career-best season with 46 tackles, six sacks, and two forced fumbles. Unfortunately, his momentum was cut short by a torn ACL sustained in a game against the New Orleans Saints late in the season, leading to his placement on injured reserve.
