NFL pioneer Kim Wood has died aged 80 following a short illness. Wood made history as the NFL’s first full-time strength coach and spent nearly three decades with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Career and legacy

Kim Wood created history when he became the first-ever full-time strength coach in the NFL in 1975. He went on to spend 27 years with the Cincinnati Bengals after being hired by team founder Paul Brown. The organization and peers regarded him as an innovator in strength training and conditioning.

Tributes from players and club

Tributes poured in following Wood’s death. Legendary Bengals linebacker Reggie Williams released a statement recalling Wood’s influence:

“Sadly, I was told that Cincinnati Bengals Strength and Conditioning Coach Kim Wood passed away.

No other one person is responsible for turning an Ivy League prospect into a 14 year starting linebacker in the NFL than Kim Wood.

If he demanded one more rep, I would give him two. Absolutely no steroids! Just 8-12 perfect reps to failure, three 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.”

Bengals president Mike Brown also paid tribute, saying:

“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.”

Former Bengals star Anthony Munoz added praise for Wood’s methods and knowledge of the game:

“He believed in the hands, the forearm, and the grip. He was on the cutting edge of core work and arm strength. He understood the game so well. He understood what part of your body needed to be really emphasized to be the best.”

Wood’s death, described in reports as following a short illness, prompted reflections on his role in shaping strength and conditioning standards in professional football and the many players he influenced during his long tenure with the Bengals.

Image Referance: https://www.the-sun.com/sport/15864788/kim-wood-nfl/