A player’s worst fear is suffering an injury that would put an end to their NFL career. Unfortunately, for center Eric Wood, that nightmare became a reality as everyone learned Friday morning. Wood, a nine-year player for the Buffalo Bills shared the news on what happened.
I was diagnosed with a neck injury as part of my season-ending physical with the Bills. After consultation with Dr. Cappuccino and other physicians, I was informed that I was no longer cleared to play football, even with surgery or further treatment.
— Eric Wood (@EWood70) January 26, 2018
The news shocked everyone as one of the most beloved players on the team has to end his career before he was ready.
Owner Kim Pegula sent her thoughts Wood’s way.
after seeing what @EWood70 been able to achieve on and off the field, I’m confident that there’s more in him as he transitions into the next phase of his life. #ThankYouEric
— Kim Pegula (@KimPegula) January 26, 2018
Wood’s current teammates were showing him love and support as well.
"Eric is a special guy. He's been a great friend to me, a great teammate, a great leader. It's really a sad day."
— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) January 26, 2018
Eric Wood means a lot to many, especially Richie Incognito. #ThankYouEric pic.twitter.com/JuMXWGkyp6
Praying for you brotha @EWood70 God’s Plan
— Jordan Mills (@JordanMills_67) January 26, 2018
A true leader @EWood70 it was definitely an honor to play with you Bra you were a true inspiration in and out the huddle I’m praying for peace in your heart through this tough situation God has a plan for you Bra praying for you and your family
— Travaris Cadet (@TravarisCadet39) January 27, 2018
Much love E Wood, keeping you in my prayers big man
— Ryan Davis (@bigdavis813) January 27, 2018
Man it’s hard to hear that a great man/friend/ player and man has his career cut short. Prayers up for my guy @EWood70 attack this next chapter of life. Luv ya E.
— Mike Tolbert (@miketolbert35) January 26, 2018
Praying for @EWood70
— Preston Brown (@PB_Number2) January 26, 2018
My brother @EWood70 I love you bro praying for you
— Shaq Lawson (@Shaq_Lawson90) January 26, 2018
Deeply saddened by this news. Cannot say enough positive things about @EWood70. Prayers sent your way brotha. Much love to you and your family.
— Zay (@zayjones11) January 26, 2018
Prayers go up for u my brotha @EWood70 love u and thankful i got to go to war with you. #GodHasYou
— Dion Dawkins (@DDawkins66) January 26, 2018
Thinking and praying for my guy @EWood70 such a great competitor and leader!
— Patrick DiMarco (@PatDiMarco42) January 26, 2018
Even former teammates sent love to their friend.
Just saw the sicking news on @EWood70 praying for you brotha. Good luck with the next chapter of your life.
— Cardale Jones (@Cardale7_) January 26, 2018
Prayers and thoughts go out to @EWood70... such a great teammate and competitor, God bless you!
— jairus byrd (@jairusbyrd) January 26, 2018
Be strong @EWood70. U had a hella of a career and were a hell of a teammate. Stay true and you. ✊
— Chris Gragg (@Gragg80) January 26, 2018
@EWood70 Be well my friend
— Jonathan Meeks (@lucky_lefty5) January 26, 2018
Prayers up to you @EWood70 and your family bro your a true definition of a hard working teamate n leader!!!! Brother for life!!!!!
— James Wilder Jr (@IAm_Wilder32) January 26, 2018
A very good player and great man @EWood70. We’ll celebrate your incredible career on and off the field & continue to pray for your health. https://t.co/pAn1aJCGhL
— Stevie Johnson (@StevieJohnson13) January 26, 2018
Praying for you @EWood70. Was a great honor to play with you man, but even better honor to call you as friend.
— Cj Spiller (@CJSPILLER) January 26, 2018
The media also gave Wood the respect for his interactions over the years.
Eric Wood is a first class player and person. Always insightful about football and life when talking with us in the locker room. https://t.co/UIHpngnri5
— Andy Young (@AndyYoungTV) January 26, 2018
Eric Wood has been a stable force for the team both on and off the field. Kudos for an outstanding career. https://t.co/84jToY6ymS
— Mike Haim (@mikehaim) January 26, 2018
Wood confirms his career is over. Finding out this way had to be incredibly hard. But, glad he didn't discover an injury like this sometime during a game next season.
— Thad Brown (@thadbrown7) January 26, 2018
He deserves a full and happy retirement. #Bills https://t.co/96rJ3zagA5
Eric Wood is a pro’s pro. Standup guy in room. Positive in situations where fingers could have been pointed. I hope he is just being smart about his post playing life. He put in his work for #Bills. He is just going to turn 32. Young guy with new son Garrett born this month pic.twitter.com/I3PdxiViw0
— Mike Catalana (@MikeCatalana) January 26, 2018
Fans everywhere were sending well wishers to Wood and his family.
Sorry to hear about @EWood70 - The guy’s an ace and a true #Captain. I will always remember the #CurlyHairedBeast!!! Salute!!! @buffalobills #BuffaloBills #BillsMafia
— Mike Hernandez (@MikeHernandezHQ) January 26, 2018
Damn thoughts and prayers for Eric Wood. Hopefully he's able to live a normal life and have fun with his family. You will always be part of The Bills Mafia #EWood70 #BuffaloBills #TheBillsMafia
— Rob Chowaniec (@NYOneandOnlyX) January 26, 2018
I remember crying when the Bills lost in the Superbowl (4 times). Until today I have not shed a tear for them. I hope @EWood70 and family recover the best way possible. #BuffaloBills
— Rob Finger (@finga) January 26, 2018
@EWood70 prayers out to you and your family buddy. You are a great guy and life after football will be just as successful as on the field #Bills
— george coleman (@coleman_george) January 26, 2018
Thank you for everything you gave to the #bills,#billsmafia and the city of buffalo
— Josh Stoeckl (@joshgsu00) January 26, 2018
Wood is also very active in the community and has a foundation if you were interested in donating.
As @DelReid tweeted out, here is the link to @EWood70's charity. Do your thing, #BillsMafia https://t.co/mbNnEnLvz2
— Nate Geary (@NateGearyWGR) January 26, 2018
We wish Wood nothing but the best for him and his family and hope everything works out in the long run.