Buffalo Bills center Eric Wood was a beloved figure in the community and a devoted Bill, who played his entire eight year career with Buffalo. In that time, he appeared in one Pro Bowl and started and played in 120 games. The first round pick was a consistent piece of the Buffalo Bills offensive line for the past eight years, and Bills fans were certainly sorry to hear about his retirement.
Injury
But one thing that has seemed to remain secret is the exact extent of Eric Wood's injury. How serious was it? When did it occur? Where was it from? According to NFL.com, Wood retired due to a season ending neck injury that would have prevented him from being cleared to play in future seasons.
NFL.com also stated that the injury was discovered in his "exit physical." The physical is a routine exam used by NFL teams to determine an athlete's readiness to play in the following season.
Wood confirmed his retirement on Twitter.
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
It seems a little strange that this injury would be discovered following the Bills playoff game against the Jaguars, especially when Wood did not appear to get injured in the game.
That has led to some fan speculation that doctors allowed Wood to play without knowing if he would be safe on the field. In fact, there is some evidence that suggests his serious condition could have appeared on an X-Ray much earlier in the 2017 season.
As part of his brief statement at his "retirement" news conference Monday, Bills center Eric Wood gave further detail about his career-ending neck injury, saying, "In Week 5, I got the first stinger of my life. I got one the following week. After that... https://t.co/r7z80iylg5
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) January 29, 2018
Thankfully, the doctors were able to catch the life threatening injury before Wood could play a snap in 2018.
But this really does call into question the medical process. Were doctors checking on Wood's situation before every game? If not, every game he played could have been a life endangering one.
Press Conference and Bonus Structure
As if Wood's career ending injury wasn't enough, it appears that he will now have to battle to receive the guaranteed money he was due as part of his contract.
In a press conference today, Wood spent exactly two minutes at the podium and answered very few questions, if any.
Here's everything Buffalo Bills center Eric Wood said at his press conference today. Get the feeling he wanted to say more. Strange day: https://t.co/x8saX5mdeV #BillsMafia
— Matthew Fairburn (@MatthewFairburn) January 29, 2018
It's certainly an emotional time for a man who spent his entire career in Buffalo, but by all accounts this press conference was strange. Wood didn't really say anything, spent no time answering questions, and showed up nearly an hour late. It's understandable when $4.8 million of guaranteed money is at stake, but Bills fans and reporters were hoping to hear a little more from the center.
Eric Wood doesn't want to leave the Buffalo Bills just yet, and is hoping to take on some sort of coaching role with the team.
Thankfully, Eric Wood is O.K., but he was one bad hit away from a very serious medical injury and he will have to stay away from playing the game of football to avoid one.
