Buffalo, NY – May 14, 2025
In 2017, Buffalo Bills center Eric Wood was at the peak of his career—a Pro Bowl anchor for a team on the cusp of breaking a 17-year playoff drought. But a devastating neck injury and a deeper calling led him to retire at 31, choosing to raise his three young children over NFL glory.
Wood, a first-round pick in 2009, started all 120 games of his nine-year career, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2015. His durability and leadership were the heartbeat of the Bills’ offensive line, paving the way for running backs like James Cook’s predecessors during a challenging era.
A routine postseason MRI in 2018 revealed a career-ending neck condition, threatening permanent damage if he continued playing. Facing a choice between football and his health, Wood prioritized his family—wife Leslie and their children, Garrett, Grace, and Grant—over the game he loved.
“I wanted to be there for my kids, to be the dad they deserved,” Wood told The Buffalo News in 2018. “Football gave me everything, but family is my legacy.”
The decision stunned Bills Mafia, who revered Wood as “The Rock” for his unyielding presence. Yet, his choice reflected a man grounded in faith and duty, shaped by his Louisville upbringing and the values instilled by his parents, who emphasized family above all.
Wood’s retirement marked the end of an era, but his impact endures. He joined the Bills Radio Network as an analyst, offering insights that resonate with fans and players like Josh Allen, who credits Wood’s mentorship for shaping his early career leadership.
“Eric showed us what it means to put team and family first,” Brandon Beane said. “His legacy is bigger than football.”
Now 39, Wood lives a quiet life in Buffalo, coaching his kids’ youth teams and running his foundation for local charities. While the Bills chase a Super Bowl with Allen’s 4,306-yard MVP legacy, Wood’s choice remains a testament to love over glory.
