Willie Wood, RIP

[Downtownfan]

He was the first coach that I remember, as a kid. RIP, Willie Wood (https://www.sportsnet.ca/football/nfl/hall-fame-safety-willie-wood-dies-83/).

[Will]

The first African-American coach in the CFL?

His teams weren't great, but he did help bring in some of the talent that would win a Grey Cup a few years later.

[Tobin Rote]

Willie emerged from Forrest Gregg's staff to become Head Coach as I recall... he was an NFL great as a player on the legendary Packers teams of the 1960s.

[paulwoods13]

It's too bad the lengthy feature I wrote about Willie for the Toronto Sun seven years ago is no longer online. For those who have Twitter, I posted a bunch of quotes about Willie from players and others who knew him during his days with the Argos (@pxw13). Despite his overall lack of success, he will always be one of my all-time favourite coaches for the way he spoke and the enthusiasm he perpetually conveyed.

[gilthethrill]

Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of those legendary Packers teams. He was the Argos HC when I became addicted to the Double Blue in 1980. RIP.

[jerrym]

I remember him as a great Hall of Fame Packer OL when Green Bay dominated the league with an OL that created large holes for its RBs, a fine gentleman, but not a great coach.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

jerrym, I think you are confusing him with Forrest Gregg. Willie Wood was a safety on the Packers. Forrest Gregg was a tackle.

[jerrym]

jerrym, I think you are confusing him with Forrest Gregg. Willie Wood was a safety on the Packers. Forrest Gregg was a tackle.

You're right. That's the trouble with getting old. Things blend together.