Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
11. Willie Wood, Safety, 1960-1971
The Packers’ first truly dominant safety was the unparalleled Willie Wood. Not only did Wood become a legend in Green Bay, he only ever suited up for the Packers in his 12-year career. He is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and he is regarded as one of the first great ball hawks in modern NFL history. Five times he was selected First-Team All-Pro and eight times he was invited to the Pro Bowl.
In his career he recorded 48 interceptions and 16 fumble recoveries. He also snagged two interceptions in the postseason as well. In 1961 he led the NFL in kick returns for touchdowns (2) and in 1962 he led the NFL in interceptions (9). Five times he recorded at least five interceptions in a single season. Wood was a master of reading quarterbacks and he was a defensive leader for the Lombardi Era Packers.
Wood was a starting safety for five World Championship teams, which included the first two Super Bowl victories. He is one of the most decorated defensive backs in league history and, arguably, the most successful of them all. Wood definitely helped develop the role of ‘free safety’ on defense and he will forever be the measuring stick for all Packers defensive backs until the end of time.
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