Buffalo Bills center Eric Wood was in attendance at a Louisville Cardinals basketball game this weekend and spoke publicly for the first time since his awkward press conference (here’s our recap with the full video) on January 29th. He was supposed to announce his retirement and be honored by former teammates and friends but instead he spoke for about 90 seconds and took no questions.
“I feel good,” the Louisville alum Wood said. “At this time, I’m still part of the Bills. I’m under contract and will do anything I can to help them out. I’m excited to be back here and do anything I can to get Louisville back on top as well.”
Wood keeps mentioning that contract thing. He did the same thing at his press conference and that’s probably for financial reasons. The Bills, NFLPA, Wood, and his agent are still sorting out the details about the financial ramifications of his retirement. It’s clear that has not been resolved and will probably need to wait until the new league year begins in March.
“I’m on the wait and see,” Wood said about his future. “I’ve got my hands full at home right now and I’m enjoying that and enjoying being back home.”
Wood’s son was born the same day he found out his playing career was over. He also has a daughter who was in his arms during the interview, which you can view below.
An amazing playing career and surely a bright future. It was great having you back in the KFC Yum! Center last night @EWood70! #L1C4 pic.twitter.com/TzSriC7Xyp
— LouisvilleFootball (@UofLFootball) February 9, 2018
“Making the playoffs this year and ending that playoff drought was about the most fun I’ve ever had,” Wood said when asked about his playing career. “Celebrating with those grown men in the locker room acting like kids is something I will never forget.”