Willie Wood
Inducted:
1989
Player Stats
5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
190 lb (86 kg)
Born:
December 23, 1936
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Died:
February 3, 2020
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Position:
Safety
College:
USC
Willie Wood was one of the most exceptional safeties in NFL history, known for his intelligence, ball-hawking ability, and leadership on the field. Playing his entire career with the Green Bay Packers from 1960 to 1971, Wood was a key figure in the Packers’ dynasty under coach Vince Lombardi. Despite being undrafted, he quickly became a starter, earning a reputation for reading offenses, making timely interceptions, and delivering precise tackles.
Wood’s speed and anticipation allowed him to change the momentum of games and create scoring opportunities for his team. He played a vital role in five NFL Championships, including the first two Super Bowls, and was often a leader both on defense and in the locker room. Willie Wood’s remarkable career and pioneering contributions to the safety position earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
Wood's Awards and Honors
- 2× Super Bowl champion (1966, 1967)
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1964–1967, 1969)
- 4× Second-team All-Pro (1962, 1963, 1968, 1970)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1962, 1964–1970)
- First undrafted player to become a Hall of Fame safety
- Key defensive leader in first two Super Bowls
NFL Records
- NFL Interceptions leader (1962)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- 5× NFL champion (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967)
NFL Teams
Green Bay Packers (1960–1971)
NFL Draft:
1960: undrafted
Number Worn:
24
NFL Stats
Seasons:
12 (1960–1971)
Games Played:
166
Game Started:
150
Interceptions:
48
Interception yards:
699
Defensive touchdowns:
2
Fumble Recovery:
16
Fumble Yards:
39