Posted on 02/03/2020 9:33:28 PM PST by nickcarraway
The Green Bay Packers announced Monday evening that former safety Willie Wood has died at the age of 83.
"The Green Bay Packers Family lost a legend today with the passing of Willie Wood,” said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy via a press release. “Willie’s success story, rising from an undrafted rookie free agent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, is an inspiration to generations of football fans. While his health challenges kept him from returning to Lambeau Field in recent years, his alumni weekend visits were cherished by both Willie and our fans. We extend our deepest condolences to Willie’s family and friends.”
Wood, who is a member of the Hall of Fame, was a starting safety on all five of Vince Lombardi's championship teams in the 1960s, died Monday afternoon.
The Packers announced Wood died at an assisted living facility in Washington D.C.
The team says Wood had been confined to assisted living facilities for about 13 years, and was suffering from advanced stage dementia for close to a decade or more.
Wood, who played for the Packers from 1960-1971, ranks second in team history with 48 career interceptions.
The only person with more is Bobby Dillon.
North of 60 now and my childhood heros are all leaving us, the first football game I clearly recall was the Ice Bowl Dallas at Green Bay. Enjoy your rest Mr Wood, the games over, no more pain.
What a man! No safety has ever been better... Few have been as good...
What a great name
Willy Wood
I believe he coached the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL at one time.
What a bummer. A hero from my youth.
Back when the NFL was the “National Football League”, not the “National Felon League”.
RIP.
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