Hall of Fame Professional Football Player, Coach. For twelve seasons (1960 to 1971), he played at the safety position in the National Football League with the Green Bay Packers. Born William Vernell Wood, he made his initial impact on the football field during his years at Armstrong Technical High School in Washington, DC. He played collegiate football at USC and during this period, he made history when he became the first African American to play at the quarterback position in the Pac-12 Conference. Signed by the Green Bay Packers as a non drafted player, he totaled 166 career regular season games. He experienced five world championships including the first two Super Bowl titles. Individually, Wood distinguished himself as he achieved Pro-Bowl honors eight-times and All-Pro recognition five-times. In addition to patrolling the defensive backfield where he was an imposing force on the opposition's receivers, Wood served as a dynamic special teams player on kickoff and punt returns. After retiring as a player, he began a lengthy career as a coach, initially an assistant with the San Diego Chargers. In 1975, he served as head coach of the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League prior to becoming an assistant coach with the Toronto Argonaut of the Canadian Football League. He served as head coach of the Toronto Argonauts from 1980 to 1981. He was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1977 and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989. He died from natural causes.
Hall of Fame Professional Football Player, Coach. For twelve seasons (1960 to 1971), he played at the safety position in the National Football League with the Green Bay Packers. Born William Vernell Wood, he made his initial impact on the football field during his years at Armstrong Technical High School in Washington, DC. He played collegiate football at USC and during this period, he made history when he became the first African American to play at the quarterback position in the Pac-12 Conference. Signed by the Green Bay Packers as a non drafted player, he totaled 166 career regular season games. He experienced five world championships including the first two Super Bowl titles. Individually, Wood distinguished himself as he achieved Pro-Bowl honors eight-times and All-Pro recognition five-times. In addition to patrolling the defensive backfield where he was an imposing force on the opposition's receivers, Wood served as a dynamic special teams player on kickoff and punt returns. After retiring as a player, he began a lengthy career as a coach, initially an assistant with the San Diego Chargers. In 1975, he served as head coach of the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League prior to becoming an assistant coach with the Toronto Argonaut of the Canadian Football League. He served as head coach of the Toronto Argonauts from 1980 to 1981. He was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1977 and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989. He died from natural causes.
Bio by: C.S.
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