Don Woods
Don Woods Courtesy: New Mexico Athletics
Release: 11/25/2014
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Don Woods
For many long time Lobo football fans, Don Woods is among one of the greatest to don the cherry and silver. Although his time at the University of New Mexico was short, he made an immediate and lasting impression on not only the UNM football program but also the Albuquerque community as a whole.
A native of Denton, Texas, Woods came to UNM by way of New Mexico Highlands University where he starred as quarterback for the Broncos for three seasons. When Highlands dropped their football program after the 1972 season, the Lobos had the good fortune of picking up the talented signal caller.
When Woods first arrived at UNM it didn’t take long for the team to realize that he was a special talent who also brought with him a quality of leadership that any team needs to be successful. They wasted no time making him their starting quarterback for his senior season.
“Beyond his talent, Don’s leadership changed the fabric of our football team,” friend and teammate Ron Wallace said. “He was a hard worker who never quit giving his all up until the final gun sounded.”
The hard work paid off that season. Woods set a season rushing mark for UNM quarterbacks with 971 yards that still stands to this day. He also could pass, which helped him accumulate 1,840 yards of total offense. He was named Back of the Week by United Press International (UPI) after rushing for 118 yards and scoring three touchdowns (two rushing and one passing) in a 48-6 victory over in-state rival New Mexico State. Woods was a shining star on that Lobo football team and was named Most Valuable Player by his teammates. The New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame also recognized him as Athlete of the Year for his accomplishments that season.
Woods accomplished his lifelong dream of making it to the National Football League when he was drafted in the sixth round by the Green Bay Packers in 1974. After switching from quarterback to running back upon turning pro, he got lost in the training camp shuffle and was cut five days before the season opener. This time it was the San Diego Chargers who had the good fortune of picking up the powerful athlete in search of a team. In just twelve games, Woods ultimately became the second leading rusher in the NFL his rookie season. Despite missing two games, he racked up 1,162 yards, which was an NFL rookie rushing record. Not only did his Charger teammates go on to select him as their Most Valuable Player, he earned the NFL Rookie of the Year title.
Woods went on to play for the Chargers for six seasons before he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 1980 where he finished his professional playing career. Although his athletic accomplishments were top notch, it is his character that seems to stand out most when others speak about him.
Following his NFL career, Woods went back to UNM where he obtained his Master’s Degree in Special Education. He has been a staple in the community working for Albuquerque Public Schools for sixteen years as an educator, coach, mentor and role model. Woods and wife Margaret established the Ray of Hope Foundation in 2009 to assist “disadvantaged youth” that desire a post-secondary education. He has worked to host celebrity golf tournaments, football camps, benefit dinners and other charitable events to help raise funds for scholarships for the program.
Woods embodies the purpose of the Hall of Honor; an extraordinary athlete and person. We are lucky that a twist of fate made him a Lobo for life and we are proud to welcome him to the UNM Athletic Hall of Honor.