Buffalo Bills center Eric Wood has announced his retirement from NFL on Friday. The 31-year old revealed that his season-ending physical revealed a neck injury and that he is not cleared to play football anymore even if he undergoes surgery or seeks another treatment.
“I was diagnosed with a neck injury as part of my season-ending physical with the Bills.” – said Wood in a statement. “After consultation with Dr. Cappuccino and other physicians, I was informed that I was no longer cleared to play football, even with surgery or further treatment. I appreciate and thank everyone for their thoughts, concerns, and prayers, and I will shed more light on the situation at a press conference on Monday at the team facility.“
Eric Wood was drafted by the Bills in the 2009 NFL Draft with the 28th overall pick. He went on to play nine seasons for the team, receiving a Pro Bowl selection in 2015. Wood signed a two-year, $16 million contract extension with the Bills in August 2017. He was team’s only offensive player to be on the field for every snap of 2017 season and served as Bills’ captain.
After finding about Wood’s retirement, Buffalo Bills guard Richie Incognito went on to say it will be a big loss for the team and said that Wood played a great part in his career.
“He’s had a lot to do with my career, especially lately in Buffalo,” – said Incognito. “When I found out I was going to go for the interview with the [team-owning] Pegulas, E-Wood was one of the first [people] I told. But, yeah, he’s been instrumental in me coming back in the league and re-establishing myself. E-Wood provided that friendly face in the locker room and that kind of cover for me to be myself. He’s really instrumental in all my success I’ve had the last couple years.“
