Trailblazing NFL Coach Has Tragically Passed Away After Battle With “Brief Illness”
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The NFL world is in shock over the shocking passing of Kim Wood. A legendary NFL strength coach, Wood, died at 80.
Wood, an iconic NFL strength coach, died on Tuesday night. He was actually the NFL’s first full-time strength coach. Wood served as the Bengals’ strength coach for 28 years.
Former Bengals linebacker Reggie Williams, who played for the Bengals for 14 years, shared the news on Facebook. He wrote, “Sadly, I was told that Cincinnati Bengals Strength and Conditioning Coach Kim Wood passed away last night.”
“No other 1 person is responsible for turning an Ivy League prospect into a 14-year starting linebacker in the NFL than Kim Wood. If he demanded 1 more rep, I would give him 2. Absolutely no steroids! Just 8-12 perfect reps to failure, 3 times a week, keep a chart, don’t cheat yourself, and always improve, every workout, no matter where you are on the planet. Pain is your friend. Only appears when making you stronger. Rest In Eternity my friend.”
His death came amid a slew of other former NFL stars losing their lives.
Kevin Johnson, who once played for the Philadelphia Eagles, tragically lost his life last week. He was found dead on Wednesday morning at the age of 55. Johnson was found stabbed to death in a homeless encampment.
WWE announced the passing of Bobby Duncum Sr., a former professional wrestler who played in the league in 1968. Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie also passed away.
More On Kim Wood
Wood was an NFL pioneer as he was the first full-time strength coach on any team. He joined the Bengals in 1975 and worked until 2002. He was also a mentor to the late Brian Pillman, the deceased former WWE star.
The Bengals announced on Wednesday that Wood passed away following a “brief illness.”
Aside from the NFL, he served in that capacity for Pillman and gave training tips to WWE star Ken Shamrock during his days in the UFC. He was also featured in the Dark Side of the Ring episode on Brian Pillman. He spoke about Pillman’s toughness while blasting Eric Bischoff and Vince McMahon.
Bengals president and owner Mike Brown, the son of Paul Brown, said of Wood, “Everybody who knew him recognized what an extraordinary personality he possessed.”
“He was fun and interesting to be around. He was extroverted. He was always full of ideas and plans. He attracted people. The players enjoyed being around him, and so did everyone else.”
Kim Wood was a part of two AFC-winning teams, as the Bengals won the AFC in 1981 and 1988. May he rest in peace.
