Willie Wood

The Undrafted Underdog Who Became One of the Greatest Safeties in NFL History

In the long history of professional football, few players have defied the odds and achieved greatness quite like Willie Wood. A Super Bowl champion, nine-time Pro Bowler, and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Wood went from an undrafted player to one of the most feared and respected safeties the game has ever seen.

Wood was not just a ballhawk and a hard-hitting tackler—he was a defensive mastermind, capable of reading offenses, making game-changing plays, and providing a leadership presence that helped the Green Bay Packers become one of the most dominant dynasties in NFL history. As a key piece of Vince Lombardi’s legendary Packers teams, Wood played in five NFL Championship games and the first two Super Bowls, helping define the role of the modern free safety.

Beyond his on-field dominance, Wood was also a trailblazer in football. He became the first Black head coach in modern pro football history, continuing his impact on the game long after his playing days ended. His story is one of perseverance, resilience, and undeniable greatness—from being overlooked to becoming an all-time legend.

This collection honors Willie Wood, the undrafted underdog who became one of the most influential safeties in NFL history.

Willie Wood’s Legendary Career by the Numbers

Wood’s career statistics and accolades prove that he was not just one of the best defensive backs of his era—he was one of the best of all time.

Career Statistics & Achievements (1960–1971)

Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1989)
Super Bowl I & II Champion (1966, 1967)
Five-time NFL Champion (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967)
Nine-time Pro Bowler (1962–1971)
Five-time First-Team All-Pro (1964–1967, 1969)
NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
Career Interceptions: 48
Career Interception Return Yards: 699
Career Defensive Touchdowns: 2
Career Punt Return Yards: 1,391
First Black Head Coach in Modern Pro Football History (WFL, 1975)

At the time of his retirement, Wood was one of the most decorated defensive backs in NFL history, leading the Packers’ legendary secondary for over a decade.

The Early Years – An Underrated Star Waiting for a Chance

Before he became a Hall of Fame defensive back, Willie Wood was an overlooked quarterback prospect struggling to get a chance in the NFL.

Growing Up in Washington, D.C.

Wood was born on December 23, 1936, in Washington, D.C., growing up in an era where Black quarterbacks were rarely given opportunities at the professional level.
Despite being undersized at just 5’10” and 190 pounds, he was a natural leader and an exceptional athlete.

College Football at USC – A Quarterback with No NFL Opportunities

Wood played quarterback at the University of Southern California (USC) from 1957 to 1959, one of the first Black quarterbacks to start at a major college program.
Even though he was a skilled passer and a natural leader, the NFL refused to see him as a quarterback prospect due to racial biases at the time.
As a result, Wood went undrafted in the 1960 NFL Draft, a heartbreaking setback for a player with so much talent.

Writing a Letter to Vince Lombardi – The Opportunity That Changed Everything

Determined to make it in professional football, Wood took matters into his own hands.
He wrote a letter directly to Vince Lombardi, asking for a tryout with the Green Bay Packers.
Lombardi, who was known for giving overlooked players a chance, invited Wood to camp and switched him to defensive back—a move that would change NFL history.

The Green Bay Packers Years – Becoming a Defensive Legend

Wood’s arrival in Green Bay in 1960 was the beginning of one of the greatest careers in NFL history.

From Undrafted Free Agent to Starter (1960–1961)

Wood immediately impressed coaches and teammates with his intelligence, quickness, and playmaking ability.
In just his second season (1961), he became the Packers' starting free safety, proving that he belonged among the NFL’s elite.

Leading the Packers to Five Championships (1961–1967)

Under Vince Lombardi, the Packers became one of the most dominant dynasties in NFL history, winning five NFL Championships in seven years.
Wood’s ability to read quarterbacks, jump routes, and make clutch tackles made him one of the most valuable players on the team.

Super Bowl I – The Play That Changed the Game

In Super Bowl I (1966 season) against the Kansas City Chiefs, the game was tightly contested until the second half.
Wood made one of the most famous plays in Super Bowl history, intercepting a Len Dawson pass and returning it deep into Chiefs territory, setting up a touchdown that sealed the game.
The Packers won 35-10, securing the first-ever Super Bowl championship.

The Prime Years – Defensive Excellence & Playmaking (1964–1970)

From 1964 to 1970, Wood was widely regarded as the best safety in the NFL, earning Pro Bowl selections every year.
He recorded multiple seasons with five or more interceptions, proving that he was one of the league’s top ballhawks.
His ability to blitz, cover receivers, and return punts made him one of the most versatile defensive backs in NFL history.

A Leader On and Off the Field

By the late 1960s, Wood was not just a great player—he was a mentor and leader for the next generation of Packers stars.
Even as the Packers faded from dominance in the early 1970s, Wood remained a respected veteran, finishing his career in 1971 as one of the greatest Packers of all time.

Post-Retirement – A Trailblazing Coach

Even after his playing career ended, Wood continued to break barriers in football.

Becoming the First Black Head Coach in Modern Pro Football

In 1975, Wood made history as the first Black head coach in modern pro football, leading the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League (WFL).
Though the league folded before he could establish himself, Wood paved the way for future Black coaches like Tony Dungy and Mike Tomlin.

Coaching in the NFL

Wood later worked as an assistant coach in the NFL, sharing his defensive expertise and leadership with younger players.
His knowledge of the game and ability to develop talent made him a respected figure in coaching circles.

Defining Moments of Wood’s Career

1960 – Goes Undrafted, Writes to Vince Lombardi for a Tryout: Begins his legendary underdog story.
1961 – Becomes the Packers’ Starting Safety: Establishes himself as one of the league’s best defenders.
1966 – Intercepts Len Dawson in Super Bowl I: One of the most iconic plays in Super Bowl history.
1967 – Wins Super Bowl II: Helps the Packers cement their dynasty.
1975 – Becomes the First Black Head Coach in Modern Pro Football: Breaks barriers for future generations.
1989 – Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Recognized as one of the greatest defensive backs ever.

A Pristine Career

Willie Wood wasn’t just a great safety—he was a pioneer who changed football forever.

He proved that undrafted players could become Hall of Famers.
He set the standard for ball-hawking safeties, inspiring legends like Ed Reed and Ronnie Lott.
He was a trailblazer for Black coaches, opening doors for future generations.

A Champion, A Trailblazer, and One of the Greatest Safeties in NFL History.