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, 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.
"He said this year has been the happiest year of his life," says Teaff. "None of us could have expect 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."
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.
Address the players for the first time after the injury, he 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
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