Selected in the first round (16th overall) of the 1982 NFL Draft out of UCLA, Luis Sharpe was the second offensive tackle off the board behind future Hall of Famer Mike Munchak. That draft investment paid off immediately, as the Cuban-born edge protector stepped into the starting lineup and anchored the left side of the Cardinals' offensive line for 13 seasons (1982–1994).

Standing 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 295 pounds, Sharpe possessed exceptional long-arm extension and quick footwork, allowing him to neutralize pass rushers on the blindside. His physical durability was a constant staple during turbulent years for the franchise; he holds the rare distinction of starting all 189 regular-season games he played for the organization, bridging the team's geographical shifts across St. Louis, Phoenix, and Arizona.

Sharpe's individual reputation hit its stride in the late 1980s as he transformed into one of the premier left tackles in the NFC. He earned three consecutive Pro Bowl invitations (1987, 1988, 1989) and picked up Second-Team All-Pro honors in 1988 and 1990. Despite playing on rosters that rarely competed in January—appearing in just one career playoff game—Sharpe remained a trusted, reliable building block for over a decade.

Across 13 seasons in a Cardinals uniform, Sharpe started 189 games, earning 3 Pro Bowl selections and 2 Second-Team All-Pro honors.