Hall of Fame
Joe Wilson was an outstanding running back for Holy Cross from 1970-1972, twice winning the Davitt Award as the team’s top offensive back.
At the time of his graduation, Wilson held the all-time school records for most rushing yards in a single game (274 against Rutgers in 1972), a single season (973 in 1971) and a career (2,350). He also holds the record for Holy Cross’ longest ever rush from scrimmage, with a 94-yard run against Boston University in 1970, and ranked third in both points scored (146) and touchdowns scored (24) at the end of his career.
During his time with the Crusaders, Wilson received the Turco Award as the most valuable player of the 1971 homecoming game against Boston University, and the O’Melia Award as the most valuable player of the 1971 game with Boston College.
Selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the eighth round of the 1973 National Football League draft, Wilson went on to play two seasons in the NFL for the Bengals and the New England Patriots.
He was inducted into the Holy Cross Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 1978, as the youngest man ever enshrined and the first African American to be honored.
