| No. 12, 17, 16, 19, 18 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Quarterback | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born | (1936-02-29)February 29, 1936 Lanett, Alabama, U.S. | ||||||||
| Died | April 4, 2015(2015-04-04) (aged 79) Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | ||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | ||||||||
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| College | Auburn | ||||||||
| NFL draft | 1959: 12th round, 144th overall pick | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
Playing | |||||||||
Coaching | |||||||||
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| Awards and highlights | |||||||||
| Career AFL statistics | |||||||||
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| Coaching profile at Pro Football Reference | |||||||||
Malcolm Richard Wood (February 29, 1936 – April 4, 2015) was an Americanfootballquarterback and coach who playedcollege football atAuburn and professionally in theAmerican Football League (AFL). After his player career ended, Wood served as an assistant coach in college football and theNational Football League (NFL) over four decades.[1]
Playing for Lanett High School, Wood was named to the All-State team in Alabama in 1954.[2] He went on to help lead Auburn to an undefeated season in 1958.[3] He was drafted by theBaltimore Colts of theNational Football League (NFL) in 1959. He never played for the Colts, and signed with theDenver Broncos of theAmerican Football League (AFL) as afree agent in 1962. Later in that season, Wood saw his first significant playing time as a member of theSan Diego Chargers, playing in 6 games and starting 2 (he filled in for teammatesJack Kemp andJohn Hadl). He then spent two seasons (1963 and 1964) with theNew York Jets, starting 12 games in each year. The Jets draftedJoe Namath in 1965, and Wood landed as a backup for theOakland Raiders, starting 3 games in relief ofTom Flores. The next year, he was a member of theMiami Dolphins'inaugural season.[4]
In the next 30 years after his playing days, Wood held over a dozen offensive assistant coaching positions. He worked underHank Stram inNew Orleans as a quarterbacks coach, withArchie Manning under center. Afterwards, he was on the staff of the firstAtlanta Falcons team to reach the playoffs in1978. He coachedRandall Cunningham and thePhiladelphia Eagles during the early 1990s. He retired from coaching in 1997.
Wood started 33 games and completed 522 career passes for 51 touchdowns and 71 interceptions in his professional career.[5]
He played for five different AFL teams during his football career,[5] the only player to ever do so.
Wood was the first quarterback to throw for a touchdown atShea Stadium.[6]
In 1966, Wood became the first starting quarterback inMiami Dolphins history.
Wood was married to Peggy Bartlett, who was also from his hometown ofLanett. The couple had a daughter and a son. After suffering fromdementia, Wood died in Atlanta. He was 79.[7]