The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Sports›American Football›Luke Willson
Sports • American Football

Luke Willson

Luke Michael Willson is a Canadian former professional American football player who played as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Luke Michael Willson is a Canadian former professional American football player who played as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He spent most of his career with the Seattle Seahawks and won Super Bowl XLVIII with the team. He also played for the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens before retiring during the 2021 offseason.

Early life and college

Willson was born in LaSalle, Ontario, and later attended Rice University in Houston, Texas. He played college football as a tight end before entering the NFL Draft.

NFL career

The Seattle Seahawks selected Willson in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He played his first five professional seasons with Seattle, then had later stops with the Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, and Baltimore Ravens.

Super Bowl victory

Willson was part of the Seahawks team that won Super Bowl XLVIII. This remains the most notable team achievement of his professional career.

Retirement

Willson rejoined the Seahawks late in the 2020 season after a stint with Baltimore. He retired during the 2021 offseason after signing an extension with Seattle.

Key facts

  • Willson was born in LaSalle, Ontario, and is a Canadian former NFL player.
  • He played college football at Rice University.
  • He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
  • He spent his first five NFL seasons with Seattle and won Super Bowl XLVIII.
  • Willson retired during the 2021 offseason.
🍁
Canadian context

Luke Willson is a Canadian-born NFL player from Ontario, and his career is notable to Canadian readers as an example of a Canadian athlete who reached and won at the highest level of American football.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Luke Willson?
Luke Willson is a Canadian former NFL tight end who played most notably for the Seattle Seahawks.
Where was Luke Willson born?
He was born in LaSalle, Ontario, Canada.
What college did Luke Willson attend?
He attended Rice University.
When was Luke Willson drafted into the NFL?
He was drafted in 2013 by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round, 158th overall.
Did Luke Willson win a Super Bowl?
Yes. He won Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seattle Seahawks.
Is Luke Willson retired?
Yes. He retired during the 2021 offseason.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Willson
    Supports: Full name, birth date, nationality, positions, NFL teams, Super Bowl XLVIII, and retirement timing.
  2. NFL.com — https://www.nfl.com/players/luke-willson/
    Supports: Player profile, position, college, physical profile, and professional career details.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/16121/luke-willson
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, college, draft information, and career statistics.
  4. Windsor Public Library — https://www.windsorpubliclibrary.com/luke-wilson/
    Supports: Canadian birthplace/roots, high school background, Rice University, Seahawks drafting, and Super Bowl achievement.