His trademark Batman "band of black" painted across his nose and around both eyes, as those eyes peered out from his helmet, was celebrated by his teammates, the sports press, and Trojan football fans, and they were a gesture to intimidate opponent's linemen and running backs.
Wood was selected by the New York Jets in the third round of the 1975 NFL draft, but experienced a difficult rookie season.
He also had trouble fitting into a Jets locker room atmosphere that he considered to be cold and unfriendly.
[7] With Ronde Barber and Derrick Brooks, he is one of three Buccaneers to have scored on both a fumble and an interception return in the same season.
[9] When the new head coach Leeman Bennett declined to renew his contract in 1985,[10] Wood joined the news USFL Jacksonville Bulls team, where he was considered one of the league's most important signings.
[12] Wood was fired by Wyche after the 1993 season, but he returned to serve as an honorary captain for the coin toss of the NFC Championship Game that resulted in their appearance in Super Bowl XXXVII.
[17] Wood and Brantley have both been assisted by Gay Culverhouse, in her efforts to get recognition for the problem of football-related dementia.
[18] He suffers from [headaches] occasionally also,[19] and has been involved in litigation with the NFL disability board, who have denied medical benefits despite his having required surgery to insert a metal rod into his spine.
[20] Wood's post-football life has been characterized by financial hardship, as part of his NFL earnings were lost to corrupt advisors.