Like Barney Ewell, Kris Wilson was born in Harrisburg, Pa., but belongs to Lancaster. A product of the School District of Lancaster, Wilson (no relation, I think) graduated from J.P. McCaskey High School in 1999. While playing for the Red Tornadoes, Wilson earned All-Lancaster-Lebanon League Section One Honors as a wide receiver and linebacker.
The University of Pittsburgh offered Wilson a full scholarship and he worked hard to become an all-American on and off the field. Wilson graduated from Pitt with a degree in Economics in 2003 and was chosen as a finalist for the John Mackey Award given to college football's best tight end. The Kansas City Chiefs, already with future hall-of-famer Tony Gonzalez on their roster, drafted Wilson in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft.
Wilson played eight years in the NFL, four of those years with the Chiefs, where he caught 42 passes for 345 yards and four touchdowns. Overall Wilson finished his career with 52 receptions for 446 yards and five touchdowns while playing for the San Diego Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens.
During his football career, the Kris Wilson Foundation was created to promote education and literacy for youth, Education has been a solid foundation in the Wilson household. His mother, Deborah, earned a Master's Degree from Temple University in Social Work. She serves as the President of the Foundation. In 2015 Wilson graduated from UCLA Law School.
A big salute to Kris Wilson, a true hometown hero.
Photos courtesy of lancasteronline.com and zimbio.com