Don Woods (American football)

Don Woods

Position(s) Running back Jersey #(s) 33, 47
Born	February 17, 1951 (1951-02-17) Denton, Texas
Career information
Year(s)	1974–1980
NFL Draft	1974 / Round: 6 / Pick: 134
College	University of New Mexico
Professional teams
San Diego Chargers (1974-1980) San Francisco 49ers (1980)
Career stats
Rushing Yards	3,087
Average	4.0
TDs	16
Stats at NFL.com
Career highlights and awards
1974 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

Donald Ray Woods (born February 17, 1951 in Denton, Texas) is a retired National Football League American football running back who played with the San Diego Chargers and San Francisco 49ers from 1974–1980. Woods was selected in the 6th Round of the 1974 NFL Draft out of University of New Mexico by the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay released Woods at the end of training camp and he was subsequently picked up by the Chargers early in the 1974 season.

The move proved very fruitful for San Diego, as Woods, despite not suiting up until the 3rd week of the season went on to set a then NFL rookie rushing record of 1,162 yards in only 12 games, including an amazing streak of 7 consecutive 100 yard rushing performances. Woods was selected the 1974 NFL Rookie of the Year.

Injuries slowed Woods down during the 1975 campaign and while having several solid years with the Chargers, was never able to recapture the electricity of his rookie campaign. Woods was eventually phased out of the Chargers offense and traded to San Francisco during the 1980 season, finishing out his career that season with the 49ers. Woods finished his career with 3,087 career rushing yards and scored a total of 21 touchdowns.

Preceded by Chuck Foreman

AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year 1974

Succeeded by Mike Thomas