CMDA Remembers Client and Friend Luis Sharpe

CMDA partner Jim Acho received a call on Saturday–the type of call he is receiving too often these days–that the greatest offensive lineman ever produced by the City of Detroit (HOFers Joe DeLamielleure and Reggie McKenzie were from Center Line and Highland Park) passed away last night after dinner with his family. Luis Sharpe was 66. Said Jim Acho, “Luis was a terrific guy whom I admired because he bounced back from adversity and never let it keep him down. A champion person.” Below is what CMDA posted last year when he first retained our Firm:

“Luis Sharpe shocked many in 1977, when the nation’s most coveted offensive tackle chose UCLA over Michigan and MSU. A Parade and Kodak All-American at Detroit Southwestern High School, it proved the right move for him, as Luis Sharpe became a 1st round pick in 1982. He went on to be one of the NFL’s most dominant left tackles of the 1980s/1990s, a 3-time All-Pro and the man Lawrence Taylor—considered by many to be the greatest defensive player in NFL history—called the one tackle he hated facing the most on Sundays. Off the field, Luis Sharpe became a model and actor, his most notable screen appearance being a cameo as Angela Bassett’s love interest in the film ‘Waiting To Exhale.’ Later, Luis Sharpe went through a down period with substance abuse. Coming back from it like a champion, Luis Sharpe spoke to schools and businesses about how to come back from personal failure to rebound to a fulfilling life.”

Our thoughts are with the entire Sharpe family today and may Luis Sharpe rest in peace.