Baylor lost a friend last night when Kyle Woods died. He was the former defensive back from W.T. White who suffered a paralyzing injury during practice back in 1979. He was 49.

At the time of his injury, Baylor didn't have long-term disability insurance, so his former college coach, Grant Teaff did everything he could to help him out. He set up a trust fund and bought a home for Woods. Most recently, Teaff helped Woods move into new home in Cedar Hill where he lived for the past 10 months. Here's the story I did on Woods moving into the house.

"He said this year has been the happiest year of his life," Teaff said. "None of us could have expected that, that year would be his last year. I think even in his death he continues to send a positive message. That's what he's done for 30 years. Since the night of the accident and from that moment forward, his attitude has been the same. It's been positive with a smile on his face."
Here's more of Teaff's reaction.

Woods had been hospitalized since suffering a heart attack March 22 and died at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center.

Teaff said Woods could say the most profound things at the most amazing times. He said his faith was strong and his faith was profound, something he told his teammates after the injury at the Peach Bowl in 1979.

That's when he addressed the players for the first time after the injury and told the players something his grandmother told him when he was a little boy. "Your body may give out, but I won't give in." Baylor went on to win the game for Woods.

Teaff says anyone wanting to contribute to help cover expenses for Woods, can send contributions to the following:

Kyle Woods Special Needs Trust
P.O. Box 7813
Extraco Bank
Waco, Texas 76714

1 Comments

Antonia Kilpatrick said:

I had the privlege of working with Kyle for the past eight months at Mountain View College. He was all you say and more. I've never met such a kinder, gentler spirit. He was an inspiration to us all.

I am comforted that he is now our MVC Guardian Angel. I can see Kyle in heaven running for pass and waiving to all of us. I will miss this kind soul who crossed my path. I miss you Kyle.

Condolences to his family. What a blessing to have been related to this great man.

Antonia Kilpatrick

April 10, 2009 3:53 PM

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