Woody Peoples

Woodrow Peoples (born August 16, 1943 in Birmingham; died October 12, 2010 in Birmingham) played offensive guard in the National Football League for 13 years, including two Pro Bowls.

Peoples graduated from Ullman High School in Birmingham and played for Coach Eddie Robinson at Grambling State University before being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL draft. He spent two years in the Army before signing as a free agent with the San Francisco 49ers in 1968. He opened the way for quarterback John Brodie to sneak in for the winning touchdown against the Vikings in the 49ers first-ever playoff win in 1970 (a game played in single-digit temperatures at Metropolitan Stadium).

Peoples played 11 years there before signing, again as a free agent, with the Philadelphia Eagles. He started for the Eagles in their loss to the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XV in New Orleans in 1981. After retiring from playing, he worked as a scout for the Birmingham Stallions and as an assistant coach for the UAB Blazers.

Peoples died in 2010. He was survived by his long-time companion Vivian Barber and his two children, Trent and Denielle.

References

• Crenshaw, Solomon (October 14, 2010) "Former Pro Bowler, Birmingham native Peoples dead at 67." Birmingham News