Stars show for Mack Wilson celebrity basketball game

Mack Wilson brought NFL stars from around the country to Tempe, Arizona on Saturday afternoon for his annual charity basketball game.

Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, free agent pass-rusher Matthew Judon and Cardinals star safety Budda Baker were among the Pro Bowlers who played in the game to support the Arizona Cardinals linebacker and benefit the Make a Difference Foundation and Fostering Champions.

Judon was happy to support his ex-Patriots teammate, but joked that he needs to get more playing time or won’t be back in 2027.

“I fly all the way out to Arizona,” Judon said. “My lips are chapped, everything is dry, and they’re not putting me in. I’m going to have to talk to him about this. It’s not going to happen a third year.”

Wilson’s impact was evident from the game, which featured a host of ex-teammates who are now spread across the NFL. Judon said Wilson is an easy guy to jell with in the locker room.

“You connect more off the field, (about) clothes, sports, music, all the other stuff,” Judon said. “Our interests off the field and our family life.”

New Cardinals teammate Kendrick Bourne entertained the crowd with a rap performance at halftime, while burgeoning Arizona defensive star Walt Nolen was among a host of Cardinals who watched from the stands.

49ers defensive lineman Keion White, who played with Wilson in New England, coached against him on Saturday and led his group to the upset win, staging a major second-half rally and also capturing a first-to-ten-points race to conclude the event.

Ex-Arizona State women’s basketball guard Marley Washenitz was a standout for the winners, hitting multiple 3s and finding teammates for numerous assists.

“I told my guys going into the game: they may be bigger, they may be faster, they may be stronger, but we’ve got heart,” White said. “We have grit. And that’s all that matters at the end of the day.”