Louis Wright

[Los Broncos]

I wanted to know more info on Louis Wright.

Ive heard about him from back in the day about him being a shut down corner.

Ive never seen him play and i haven't been able to find much on him, even threw Google.

Can anyone shed some light, those that have seen him play or seen footage.

[bendog]

He should be HOF, and was, imo, at good at his postition as was Grads, ie one, or at the most two, players at his position were better than he was. Unfortunately, even if you had access to tapes going back to the 1970s and early 80s, you wouldn't be able to see how good he was, because he was in very few plays. He basically locked up in man, and people seldom threw towards him. He played run. He didn't have very good hands, unlike Champ. But his speed let him have an impact in the running game when guys would get loose on the other side of the field.

Aside from the party atmosphere, he was really the only reason I went to games in person after we let our season tix go. I could sit nosebleed and still appreciate his play.

[Stormontheplains]

He was also good at picking up fumbles in blizzards and running them back for touchdowns. Great against the run

[Tredici]

He was also good at picking up fumbles in blizzards and running them back for touchdowns. Great against the run

Actually those weren't fumbles. They were blocked kicks.

[Tredici]

The members of the Orange Crush used to refer to Wright as Loudini. He always appeared in the right place. That defense defined the term opportunistic. Elway was blessed in they always handed him back the ball when the team needed it.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

He was amazing - tall for a CB those days with reaction time second to none. He was a quiet guy who stayed out of the limelight is the reason he is not more universally recognized. Last I heard he was coaching HS here in Denver - East HS I think.

[Los Broncos]

He was amazing - tall for a CB those days with reaction time second to none. He was a quiet guy who stayed out of the limelight is the reason he is not more universally recognized. Last I heard he was coaching HS here in Denver - East HS I think.

yep, i found that on google.

[Atlas]

Louie Wright was a very good CB. I guess you could say he was great. During his prime he was a top 5 CB. He wasn't a physical CB like a Lester Hayes he played with more finnesse but he was a good tackler and he did play the run well. Him and Billy Thompson and Steve Foley gave Denver some great CB play.

[Atlas]

Actually those weren't fumbles. They were blocked kicks.

He is talking about the fumble in the blizzard game against GB in 1984. You're refering to the blocked kicks aganst SD in 85. Louie made some plays in his day that is for sure.

[Los Broncos]

Was he really a legit shut down cb? I heard in the return to contention video that he was.

[Denver Crush]

Actually those weren't fumbles. They were blocked kicks.

Against the Chargers if I remember right.

[Denver Crush]

The blocked kicks were back to back in final seconds of the game. The first one got called back on a penalty. So they did it again. One of the more memorable games back in the day. Damn we're getting old.

[Atlas]

Was he really a legit shut down cb? I heard in the return to contention video that he was.

I know for a fact that John Madden has said repeatedly that he would always throw away from Louie Wright. He was very good. "Shutdown CB" well, what does that even mean? I don't believe should be a Hall of Famer if that answers your question.

[RunSilentRunDeep]

He'd be in the HOF if he had played on the East Coast. Outside of Champ, best guy Denver ever had in the secondary. And that's not a slight against Dennis Smith or Atwater, both of whom should be in the Hall as well.

[Los Broncos]

I know for a fact that John Madden has said repeatedly that he would always throw away from Louie Wright. He was very good. "Shutdown CB" well, what does that even mean? I don't believe should be a Hall of Famer if that answers your question.

That answers it pretty much, thank you.

[Turf Shaman]

The blocked kicks were back to back in final seconds of the game. The first one got called back on a penalty. So they did it again. One of the more memorable games back in the day. Damn we're getting old.

I think the game was in OT... SD about to win the game. They block the kick, there is elation, then devastation when it was called back. Then they block it again and score the winning TD. Great times.

The GB game just started off great with the Broncos returning fumbles on the opening two plays from scrimmage for TDs. They hung on for a 17-14 win.

[Turf Shaman]

He seemed like classy guy too... I remember he came to my elementary school to speak. He asked the class to if anyone knew what the score to the last Bronco game was and he called on me when I raised my hand. When I got it right he said "Now there's a Bronco fan!". I was pretty proud of that for a little while.

[Los Broncos]

He seemed like classy guy too... I remember he came to my elementary school to speak. He asked the class to if anyone knew what the score to the last Bronco game was and he called on me when I raised my hand. When I got it right he said "Now there's a Bronco fan!". I was pretty proud of that for a little while.

Wow, thats cool.

[TexanBob]

Wright was hurt by playing in the Mountain Time Zone, away from the big media centers but Wright forced teams to throw in another direction so he didn't really get that many picks. He was also good at going low to tackle in run support even though he was often lighter than the backs he took on.

He might have had a hair less talent than Champ Bailey but not much. The rest of the league sure knew about him even though the media didn't hype him up.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Wright was a pleasure to watch. He was smooth with pure speed that transfered to the field...and he made it look efortless. Exceptional coverage skills. I remember when they drafted him I was bummed out because we didnt' take Neal Colzie instead. He went to the Raiders and never came close to Wright as a great coverage CB. I think he deserved the HOF...absolutely.

[Tredici]

I think the game was in OT... SD about to win the game. They block the kick, there is elation, then devastation when it was called back. Then they block it again and score the winning TD. Great times.

The GB game just started off great with the Broncos returning fumbles on the opening two plays from scrimmage for TDs. They hung on for a 17-14 win.


If I remember right when they back to the huddle after the first blocked kick was scooped up for a TD and then called back, Louie said no problem, I can do it again... Or might've been Dennis Smith. Louie ran it back but I don't remember if he blocked the kicks, too.

[Los Broncos]

Thanks a lot for the info on Louis.

Anyone know of any footage i can view?

[bombay]

I saw him at Walgreens a couple of weeks ago.

[Tredici]

He was amazing - tall for a CB those days with reaction time second to none. He was a quiet guy who stayed out of the limelight is the reason he is not more universally recognized. Last I heard he was coaching HS here in Denver - East HS I think.


Unless he switched schools Louie coaches at Montbello. I think Mecklenburg coaches at Denver Kent.

[Los Broncos]

I saw him at Walgreens a couple of weeks ago.

Cool, ive looked just about every where online for some footage of him, no go.

[bombay]

Cool, ive looked just about every where online for some footage of him, no go.

He still looks about the same. About 6'2" or 3, and surprisingly thin. Wiry, but not bulky at all.

[Los Broncos]

He still looks about the same. About 6'2" or 3, and surprisingly thin. Wiry, but not bulky at all.

I don't care about how he looks, i care to see him play.

[jonny1]

I believe Dennis Smith is the one who blocked the second kick that was run back by Wright, and he might have blocked both of them.

He WAS a 7' highjumper after all . . .

[Los Broncos]

Just received a little package from denverdave with a couple of vids and a couple of cards. Just wanted to see Louis in action, gonna watch one tonight.

[WoodMan]

My favorite memory of Louis Wright was in a Monday Night game against Dallas. Tony Dorsett broke a long run against the Broncos and as soon as he broke the line of scrimmage Dandy Don Meredith shouted Dorsett is gone nobody can catch him. A couple of seconds later Meredith in astonishment said "Who is that guy" as he was caught from behind by a MUCH faster player. In another second Meredith said matter of factly, "Oh, that is Louis Wright." He suddenly wasn't a bit surprised that Wright caught Dorsett. I think he forgot that Louis was on the field.

[Atlas]

My favorite memory of Louis Wright was in a Monday Night game against Dallas. Tony Dorsett broke a long run against the Broncos and as soon as he broke the line of scrimmage Dandy Don Meredith shouted Dorsett is gone nobody can catch him. A couple of seconds later Meredith in astonishment said "Who is that guy" as he was caught from behind by a MUCH faster player. In another second Meredith said matter of factly, "Oh, that is Louis Wright." He suddenly wasn't a bit surprised that Wright caught Dorsett. I think he forgot that Louis was on the field.

THat's cool. About what year was that?

[The Moops]

Louie Wright is another of the many great forgotten Broncos by the national media. I know of one HOF writer who had him as one of his top Seniors candidates (retired 25 years or more). When I told him he wasn't a Seniors candidate yet since he retired in 1986, he was shocked. Just goes to show, they don't know much about his career or when he played.

[Los Broncos]

I just watched the Dallas v Denver game of 86. This is the game i became a bronco fan and fell in love with Elway. I miss the old days of the broncos. Elway with a fifty yarder on the run and Wrights int near the goal line. That D was tough as nails down there.

[WoodMan]

THat's cool. About what year was that?

I'm really not sure. I would guess 1978-1980? Something like that.

[Atlas]

I'm really not sure. I would guess 1978-1980? Something like that.

Denver creamed Dallas in 1980 at Mile High 40-21 but that wasn't a Monday night. I wonder if it was that game?

[WoodMan]

Denver creamed Dallas in 1980 at Mile High 40-21 but that wasn't a Monday night. I wonder if it was that game?

I went back and looked and couldn't find Denver playing Dallas on a Monday during Wright's years. It possibly could have been on a Thursday or Sunday because Meredith called games on days other than Monday? The memory is clear though. ABC had those special editions of football that fell on other days.

[ChargerChuck]

I believe Dennis Smith is the one who blocked the second kick that was run back by Wright, and he might have blocked both of them.

He WAS a 7' highjumper after all . . .Smith blocked 3 Bob Thomas FGs in that game, one that didn't count because Denver called TO just before the play. Louie Wright was the best corner in the league for years.

[B-Love]

I went back and looked and couldn't find Denver playing Dallas on a Monday during Wright's years. It possibly could have been on a Thursday or Sunday because Meredith called games on days other than Monday? The memory is clear though. ABC had those special editions of football that fell on other days.

What you're thinking of is the 1978 MNF game between the Bears and Broncos at Mile High.

Walter Payton ripped off a huge long run, and Dandy Don was amazed that Louie caught Walter from behind.

Craig Penrose started and sucked ass, and Morton led a late 2nd half rally for a win. Morton directed two 4th quarter TD drives if my memory is correct.

I do not have this game but I do believe it exists as a few clips of this broadcast are shown in the Lyle Alzado Sportscentury show.

[BigPlayShay]

By far the coolest and nicest Bronco I have ever met in person. In High School I worked for Jefferson County and was always at the stadium working track meets. Since he is a track coach he was sometimes there. Every time I saw him he said hello and we would chat for a while. Asked me about my grades more than he did about football. Awesome guy. Can't say enough about him.

[freak6]

I miss running track in colorado. Nothing better than being completely gassed, yet being elgible to run one more race after winning the open 4, 8, and 1600, and my coach putting me in as the anchor on the 4 x 400 (last race of the night) in 28 defree weather and snow falling down. Good times honestly because I was fkn crazy competitive back then, and would convince myself that the super bowl was on the line if I didn't win the race for us as the anchor. lmfao @ how crazy a bronco fan I am.

Louis Wright was a shutdown corner right up there with in the top 10 corners of all time.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

By far the coolest and nicest Bronco I have ever met in person. In High School I worked for Jefferson County and was always at the stadium working track meets. Since he is a track coach he was sometimes there. Every time I saw him he said hello and we would chat for a while. Asked me about my grades more than he did about football. Awesome guy. Can't say enough about him.

Fantastic! Always great to see these guys have the proper perspective on life.

[Bronco LB 59]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/dr_z/06/21/mailbag.0621/1.html

Bruce of Richmond sees a scarcity of cornerbacks in the Hall of Fame. He feeds me the following names for careful consideration -- Bob Boyd (No. More of a zone guy), Lemar Parrish (Absolutely, and I was also very high on his running mate, Ken Riley, the Rattler, who was never picked for anything), Louis Wright (No. Good, solid veteran but not among the very elite), Kermit Alexander (Ditto), Emmitt Thomas (No, but he'd be closer than the last two. In the right year I'd go for him), Lester Hayes (Ditto. I have voted for him in the past), Cornell Green (No. Better as a safety).

OK, he names Deion, Rod Woodson and Darrell Green as recent names who are almost shoo-ins. Do I have any others? Yeah, Albert Lewis. He was as good as any of them. And thanks for your words of encouragement regarding my upcoming book. In trying to peddle it to a publisher, I am using the pitch that many loyal e-mailers will shell out hard earned coin of the realm to purchase it. You are prepared to pay, are you not, Bruce?

[Steve Sewell]

Unless he switched schools Louie coaches at Montbello. I think Mecklenburg coaches at Denver Kent.

No, Wright was the East coach. I think he's at Rangeview or something now. You may have been thinking of Oliver Lucas, who used to be an assistant for the Buffs. Louis Wright is 20x the man Oliver Lucas would ever hope to be, let's just put it that way.

Louis is one of my favorite Broncos of all time...probably the best player we had in the 80's outside of Elway in my opinion.

[Los Broncos]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/dr_z/06/21/mailbag.0621/1.html

Bruce of Richmond sees a scarcity of cornerbacks in the Hall of Fame. He feeds me the following names for careful consideration -- Bob Boyd (No. More of a zone guy), Lemar Parrish (Absolutely, and I was also very high on his running mate, Ken Riley, the Rattler, who was never picked for anything), Louis Wright (No. Good, solid veteran but not among the very elite), Kermit Alexander (Ditto), Emmitt Thomas (No, but he'd be closer than the last two. In the right year I'd go for him), Lester Hayes (Ditto. I have voted for him in the past), Cornell Green (No. Better as a safety).

OK, he names Deion, Rod Woodson and Darrell Green as recent names who are almost shoo-ins. Do I have any others? Yeah, Albert Lewis. He was as good as any of them. And thanks for your words of encouragement regarding my upcoming book. In trying to peddle it to a publisher, I am using the pitch that many loyal e-mailers will shell out hard earned coin of the realm to purchase it. You are prepared to pay, are you not, Bruce?

No love for Wright, dam how sad.

[Atlas]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/dr_z/06/21/mailbag.0621/1.html

Bruce of Richmond sees a scarcity of cornerbacks in the Hall of Fame. He feeds me the following names for careful consideration -- Bob Boyd (No. More of a zone guy), Lemar Parrish (Absolutely, and I was also very high on his running mate, Ken Riley, the Rattler, who was never picked for anything), Louis Wright (No. Good, solid veteran but not among the very elite), Kermit Alexander (Ditto), Emmitt Thomas (No, but he'd be closer than the last two. In the right year I'd go for him), Lester Hayes (Ditto. I have voted for him in the past), Cornell Green (No. Better as a safety).

OK, he names Deion, Rod Woodson and Darrell Green as recent names who are almost shoo-ins. Do I have any others? Yeah, Albert Lewis. He was as good as any of them. And thanks for your words of encouragement regarding my upcoming book. In trying to peddle it to a publisher, I am using the pitch that many loyal e-mailers will shell out hard earned coin of the realm to purchase it. You are prepared to pay, are you not, Bruce?

Lester Hayes had a better 2 or 3 years but Wright was the better player over the course of his career. Hayes really hit the wall in 85 and 86 and while Wright's skills diminished a little bit he was still Denver's #1 Cb in 1986 and he still would have been Denver's #1 cb in 87 if he wouldn't have retired.

[Los Broncos]

Other than me and him having the same last name, i loved his play in the 86 Dallas game (ty Atlas).

[jonny1]

Lester Hayes went downhill once they outlawed stickum . . .

John Madden has said that Louis Wright was the only player that he coached against that they would have to specifically game plan for.

[Los Broncos]

Lester Hayes went downhill once they outlawed stickum . . .

John Madden has said that Louis Wright was the only player that he coached against that they would have to specifically game plan for.

He said they would never go at him. Avoid him at all costs.

[bamanjam]

If I recall correctly that penalty was on S.D. also. They had called a false start, and people were pissed initially, until he did it again...Hah