Wilson played on both sides of the ball at Houston, at cornerback behind William Jackson III and also at running back. He also played on special teams as a kick returner.[3] Wilson's junior season in 2015 included multiple touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams.[4] Wilson's college career was highlighted by his famous 110 yard touchdown return after a missed field goal attempt by Oklahoma on September 3, 2016. Officially, the return went for 100 yards, even though Wilson fielded the 53-yard missed field goal in the back of his own end zone. The Houston Cougars went on to defeat the #5 ranked Oklahoma Sooners in the week one upset.
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Wilson was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round, 207th overall, in the 2017 NFL draft.[7][8] He was one of three Cougars to be selected that year.[9] He was only the fourth player ever selected by the Bengals organization after a trade up in the draft.[3] The team elected to play Wilson at safety rather than the cornerback position he played in college.
Wilson injured his knee during rookie minicamp,[10] and was placed on the non-football injury list in late July.[11] Wilson was waived on September 2, 2017 and was signed to the practice squad the next day.[12][13] He was promoted to the active roster on November 11, 2017.[14]
On October 13, 2019, in a Week 6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Wilson returned a kickoff ninety-two yards for his first career touchdown. He also added four tackles and a forced fumble in the game. He was placed on injured reserve on December 6, 2019 with a hand injury.[15]
Wilson re-signed on a one-year contract with the Bengals on April 26, 2020.[16] On November 29, 2020, Wilson returned a kickoff by the New York Giants for a 103-yard touchdown. It was the longest touchdown return in franchise history.[17]
Wilson signed a two-year contract extension with the Bengals on March 16, 2021.[18]
On November 9, 2021, Wilson was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL in Week 9.[19]