Mike Woods

Michael Jay Woods (November 1, 1954 – May 29, 2009) was an American professional football player who was a linebacker for three seasons with the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Colts in the second round of the 1978 NFL draft. Woods played college football at Ellsworth Community College, the University of Tampa, and the University of Cincinnati.

Early life Woods participated in football, basketball and track and field at Benedictine High School in Cleveland, Ohio.

College career Woods first played college football at Ellsworth Community College. He then transferred to the University of Tampa. Woods recorded 114 tackles as a senior. He was also selected to play in the Senior Bowl. He was inducted into the inaugural Bearcats Ring of Honor in 2006.

Professional career Woods was selected in the second round by the Baltimore Colts with the 52nd pick in the 1978 NFL draft. He played in 36 games for the Colts from 1979 to 1981, starting 19. The injury paralyzed Woods, rendering him a quadriplegic for the last 27 years of his life. The shooter, 17-year-old Victor Gomez Jr., was arrested within a week.

Woods died on May 29, 2009.