From the Vault: The Batman

One of my favorite Buccaneers ever is Richard “Batman” Wood! Watching him slobber knock opponents was really fun to see!

With elbow pads donned with Bat symbols, I wonder if opponents saw a flash of Batman just before the “Pow!” “Bam!” Or “Bang?”

Wood was drafted in(1975) by the Jets in the (68th) pick. He went to college at USC.
He then went to the Bucs in (1976) and played there until (1984).

In (1985) he jumped over to the USFL, signing with a Jacksonville Bulls. In (1991) he returned to Tampa as an assistant coach under Richard Williamson and Sam Wyche.

Richard “Batman” Wood was a stand-out player for me as a young boy because of the bat emblems on his elbow pads, but his play on the field left an imprint on my life and every opponent that he hit!

In 9 seasons with the Buccaneers, Wood played in 132 games, starting 89, recording 9 interceptions for 199 yards, 2 touchdowns, 855 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 31 pass defends, and 6 fumbles recovered.

Remember the players from the past because they paved the way for today’s Champions!

As always, Go Bucs!