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Former Arizona Cardinals All-Pro and Pro Bowl offensive lineman Luis Sharpe has died at the age of 65, his former team announced on their official website and social media accounts.
Sharpe spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Cardinals, which included his first six seasons during the team's stint in St. Louis and final seven seasons in Arizona, with the first six coming under the Phoenix moniker. The Cuban native was selected as a second-team All-Pro in 1990 and a Pro Bowler from 1987 to 1989 and is widely regarded as the franchise's best left tackle in its history.
Arizona based radio host Kevin McCabe, who initially reported Sharpe's death, claimed he died peacefully of heart failure. The former offensive lineman had previously struggled with substance abuse during his NFL career and survived getting shot, having later spent time in prison before getting and staying sober for years.
"Throughout his lengthy and accomplished career with the Cardinals, Luis Sharpe exhibited an uncommon type of strength and toughness that made him so successful as a player," team owner Michael Bidwill said. "Admirably, he would later demonstrate those same traits in dealing with the personal challenges he faced when his career was over. We send our deepest condolences to all of those who loved Luis, in particular his family and former teammates."