Batman of Troy

Relive the impactful college career of Richard Wood, USC's first three-time All-American linebacker and a key force behind two National Championship victories.

Born on May 31, 1953, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Richard Wood became a legendary linebacker for the University of Southern California (USC) from 1972 to 1974. He achieved the unprecedented feat of being USC's first three-time All-American, earning the honor in 1972, and achieving consensus status in 1973 and 1974. Wood was a crucial member of the Trojans' National Championship-winning teams in 1972 and 1974. His exceptional athleticism allowed him to lead the team in tackles in both 1972 and 1973. He was also a three-time First-Team All-Pac-8 selection and captained the 1974 squad.

Drafted in the third round of the 1975 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, Wood played one season for them before being traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he spent the majority of his professional career, from 1976 to 1984. He became a cornerstone of the Buccaneers' defense and currently holds the third-most career tackles in franchise history with 855. Known for his speed and hard-hitting style, he earned the memorable nickname "Batman" for the black paint he wore under his eyes.

Richard Wood's football legacy is primarily defined by his dominant college career at USC, where he is considered one of the program's all-time great linebackers. His leadership and exceptional play were instrumental in the Trojans' national success. He was rightfully inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007. His contributions to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense during their formative years also form part of his professional impact.

His accolades include two National Championships (1972, 1974), three First-Team All-American selections (1972, Consensus in 1973 & 1974), three First-Team All-Pac-8 honors (1972, 1973, 1974), and his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007. In college, he notably led USC in tackles in 1972 and 1973 and recorded 5 interceptions in 1972, returning one for a touchdown. His NFL career saw him play in 146 games, recording 9 interceptions and 6 fumble recoveries, along with his 855 career tackles for the Buccaneers.