Sept. 25, 2014

John Wright, Sr. - WR 1964-1968

An outstanding leader and exceptionally successful businessman, John Wright, Sr. is the epitome student-athlete as proven by his performances in both the classroom and playing field while at Illinois. Wright was an All-State and All-American high school football player in Wheaton, Ill. He was a state champion and state record holder in track. As an Illini, Wright was a three-year letter winner from 1965-67, a two-time All-American, and was a two-time All-Big Ten selection. He also was an Academic All-American in the classroom. In 1966, he topped 100 yards in reception yardage in five games. Wright held nearly every receiving record at Illinois upon finishing his career, including receiving yards which also ranked fifth all-time in NCAA history. Wright still ranks in the top 10 in most categories for the Fighting Illini.

Wright was selected in the second round of the 1968 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, and played with both the Lions and Atlanta Falcons. He spent his rookie season in 1968 with the Atlanta Falcons, where he played in five games. In 1969, Wright moved back to Detroit and played in 14 games, catching 12 passes for two touchdowns.

Wright is the CEO of Wright Financial Group, one of the largest and most well-respected financial firms in the world. In addition, Wright is a highly sought-after speaker nationally, by both corporate leaders and professional athletes. He was voted top speaker at the NFL National Rookie Symposium six times. Wright has spoken to, or facilitated life skills camps, for multiple NFL organizations, college programs and Fortune 500 companies. He's known to be one of the greatest Illinois football players ever to wear the Orange and Blue. John Wright, Sr., his father, Bob Wright, and his son, John Wright, Jr., are the only three-generation Illini football family, while Wright, Sr. and Wright, Jr. are the only father-son duo to earn Academic All-America honors.