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Ex-NFL player Stanley Wilson dead at 40 after collapsing in mental hospital

Ex-Detroit Lions cornerback Stanley Wilson collapsed and died at a mental hospital earlier this month. No foul play was suspected.

Stanley Wilson celebrates on the field during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on December 31, 2006. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Stanley Wilson celebrates on the field during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on December 31, 2006. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Former Detroit Lions cornerback Stanley Wilson Jr. died after collapsing at Metropolitan State Hospital in Los Angeles County earlier this month, according to TMZ. He was 40 years old.

Wilson — who is the son of former Bengals running back Stanley Wilson Sr. — was reportedly transferred to the medical facility on February 1, after he was in police custody in county jail due to a vandalism arrest in August.

Wilson was arrested after he allegedly broke into a Hollywood Hills home, took a bath in an outdoor fountain and raided the property, TMZ reported at the time.

Wilson was declared incompetent to stand trial, according to prosecutors, resulting in his transfer to Metropolitan State Hospital, which specialises in mental health care.

Stanley Wilson attempts to tackle Chicago Bears great Devin Hester. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Stanley Wilson attempts to tackle Chicago Bears great Devin Hester. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Wilson was a third-round draft pick by the Lions in 2005. He played two seasons with Detroit before suffering a career-ending Achilles tear in a pre-season game against the Giants in 2008.

Wilson recorded a career 89 total tackles, eight pass deflections and one forced fumble.

The former NFL player collapsed and died during intake at the medical facility, law enforcement sources told the outlet.

A cause of death was not disclosed, and autopsy results are pending toxicology. Foul play is reportedly not suspected.

Wilson has an arrest history of home invasions dating back to 2016, after his playing career ended.

Stanley Wilson after an arrest on January 10, 2017 Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
Stanley Wilson after an arrest on January 10, 2017 Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
Wilson played two seasons with the Lions. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Wilson played two seasons with the Lions. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

In June 2016, Wilson was shot in the abdomen during an attempted break-in at a home in Southwest Portland while allegedly naked. He was charged with attempted burglary.

In January 2017, Wilson was arrested again in Portland for allegedly walking around a neighbourhood naked. He was arrested a third time in February 2017 for breaking into another home while naked.

Wilson played four seasons on the Stanford Cardinal football team from 2001 to 2004.

It’s unclear if Wilson was married or had children.

This article was originally published by the New York Post and reproduced with permission

Originally published as Ex-NFL player Stanley Wilson dead at 40 after collapsing in mental hospital

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