After retiring, former Bengals linebacker finally reveals his true feelings about controversial Super Bowl LVI call.
Cincinnati Bengals fans watched linebacker Logan Wilson grow from a third-round draft pick into one of the defense’s most consistent performers. But that chapter has now closed, as Wilson recently announced his retirement at age 29, ending a six-year NFL career that included a Super Bowl appearance and four 100-tackle seasons.
Wilson entered the league in 2020 and quickly became a fixture in Cincinnati’s defense. His tenure peaked during the Bengals’ run to Super Bowl LVI, where he played a central role in a unit that helped carry the team through the AFC playoffs.
That game, however, also produced one of the most debated moments of his career.
Late in the fourth quarter, with Cincinnati leading 20–16, Wilson was flagged for defensive holding on Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp during a critical third-down play near the goal line. The penalty extended the drive, allowing the Rams to maintain possession.
Moments later, quarterback Matthew Stafford found Kupp for the go-ahead touchdown, giving Los Angeles a 23-20 lead with 1:25 remaining.
The Bengals were unable to respond, and the sequence became a defining turning point in the game.
The call drew immediate scrutiny. Replays showed limited contact, and the decision was widely debated given the context and timing.
Years later, Wilson has now publicly shared his stance on the play.
“It still wasn’t holding in my humble opinion,” he wrote on Thursday.
Logan Wilson’s Career in a Nutshell
Wilson was drafted No. 65 overall in 2020 and developed into one of the Bengals’ most reliable defenders. From 2021 through 2024, he recorded four straight seasons with at least 100 tackles, establishing himself as a leader in the middle of the defense.
Across his career, he totaled 565 tackles, 11 interceptions and eight forced fumbles in 83 games.
His postseason contributions were equally significant. During the Bengals’ 2021 playoff run, Wilson delivered key performances, including an interception against the Tennessee Titans that helped secure a divisional round victory. His presence in coverage and run defense was central to Cincinnati’s ability to compete against top offenses.
Wilson was named a team captain in 2025 before being traded midseason to the Dallas Cowboys. He finished the year in Dallas before being released in early 2026, leading to his decision to retire.
While his career included multiple standout performances, the Super Bowl LVI penalty remains the most widely discussed play associated with his name.
Wilson leaves the game as a productive linebacker and a key figure in one of the most successful stretches in recent Bengals history.