The NFL just finished up its 100th season of existence with the Kansas City Chiefs taking out the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.
One day after the fact, the league is mourning a loss of one of its own. Hall of Fame former Green Bay Packers safety Willie Wood died on Monday at the age of 83.
“The Green Bay Packers Family lost a legend today with the passing of Willie Wood,” Packers CEO Mark Murphy said in a statement, via Fox 11 in Wisconsin. “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 was said to be residing in an assisted living facility for the past 13 years and was dealing with advanced stage dementia for the past decade.
An undrafted free agent of the Packers in 1960, Wood suited up with the team for 12 seasons. He earned eight Pro Bowl appearances and five First-Team All-Pro honors. He was a member of the Packers team that won the first two Super Bowls on record.
Our thoughts obviously go out to the Packers’ family and those close to Mr. Wood during these most difficult of times.