Batesville, Mississippi native Wesley Walls was an incredibly versatile high school football player. He was South Pontotoc High School’s quarterback for three seasons. After transferring to another school before his senior year, he made the switch to fullback and earned all-state honors in the process.
Walls’ skill and versatility was rewarded with a scholarship to the University of Mississippi where he played defensive end for three seasons, then again transitioned to a new position his senior year playing both linebacker and tight end. Walls actually started at both positions in a game against Memphis State University.
Shortly thereafter, Walls became the team’s permanent tight end but was still utilized in certain situations on defense. He earned All-America honors as a senior and was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
Drafted in the second round by the San Francisco 49ers in 1989, he was part of the 49ers’ 55-10 trouncing of the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXIV.
After five seasons in San Francisco, including the last two in which Walls did not play at all due to injury, he signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints.
His two seasons in New Orleans were incredibly productive. He caught 100 balls for over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns.
What came next made Walls a team Hall of Famer and borderline Pro Football Hall of Famer. He spent seven seasons as a Carolina Panther and became arguably the most productive tight end in all of football over that time. Walls was a four-time All Pro, a five-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor in 2019.
He spent the final season of his career in Green Bay, catching rockets and making lasting memories with Brett Favre.
His career numbers include 400 receptions, totaling over 5,000 yards with more than 50 touchdowns.
In this exclusive interview with SC Daily, Walls talks about his time at Ole Miss, seeing his 1989 Pro Set rookie card for the first time, his massive “I Love Me Room” and his memorable time with Favre.
