Eckwood shared the backfield with quarterback Doug Williams and running back Ricky Bell.
[5] Tampa Bay made the first playoff appearance in franchise history in 1979, advancing to the NFC Championship Game, where they lost to the Los Angeles Rams 9-0.
Since leaving the NFL, Eckwood has struggled with mental illness, and was committed to the Arkansas State Hospital [1] for several years.
Former Buccaneers president Gay Culverhouse has assisted with his medical care and has cited him as an example of the mistreatment NFL players receive from their employers.
[10][11] Culverhouse recalled warning signs of Eckwood's future mental problems, citing times where he went to the wrong huddle or bench during games.
[12][13] Eckwood, who can no longer drive or live on his own, was approved to participate in the 88 Plan, an NFL program for former players suffering from various dementia-related symptoms, such as hallucinations, forgetfulness, paranoia, and the inability to process new information.