RIP David Woodley

[DolFan707]

As you may already know, today, May 4, 2008 is the five year anniversary of the death of former Miami Dolphin Quarterback David Woodley. After football, Woodley increasingly drank, causing several health problems.Woodley underwent a liver transplant in Shreveport in 1992. Woodley died from complications due to kidney and liver failure on May 4, 2003.

As quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, Woodley is best known as being the man who was the bridge between the eras of Hall of Famers Bob Griese and Dan Marino He was elected the Miami Dolphins Team MVP for his rookie season, 1980. In 1982, he became one of the few NFL players to ever score touchdowns pasing, running and receiving in an NFL season. Woodley split time with backup Don Strock, or "WoodStrock" as they were referred. Woodley was the starter for the Dolphins in their 1981-82 playoff game versus the San Diego Chargers. After Miami fell behind 24-0, Strock led the Dolphins back into the game.

He was also remembered for playing in Super Bowl XVII, which the Dolphins lost 27-17.

In week 5 of 1983, Coach Shula took Woodley out of the game, and put Rookie Mr. Dan Marino in...

 

[gacane]

Will never forget Him RIP

 

[Gardenhead]

When I was a little kid, people would ask me who my favorite football player was. I'd always respond, "David Woodley".

 

[SCLSU Mud Dogs]

Fantastic post. You will be missed Mr. Woodley

 

[IceStorm]

Another great Dolphin to remember.

 

[fins4o8]

rIP man

 

[fishypete]

Yes RIP Woodley....but the reason why he failed as a QB...wasn't because of his arm...accuracy...it was because of his drinking...he just couldn't stand the stress of being in the limelight. One could compare Woodley to Ricky Williams...except when Woodley played...they didn't know what to look for...in a troubled soul.

 

[Bofin]

Rest in peace David Woodley

 

[FinsGonnaRock06]

Football is just a GAME, the game of LIFE is a very big struggle for some folks, if you and your family are happy and healthy, BE THANKFUL.
Rip David.

 

[endorPHINS72]

My God, I can't believe it's been five years already since he passed. R.I.P. David.

 

[dabeastdabone]

A sad story. Not mentioned is Woodley was a loner and a rather sad person even during his football days. If he played in this era we would see all kind of remarks about his mental issues somewhat like Ricky has.

 

[Bigjbizzle2]

its crazy to think about that it has been that long already.

 

['Deep]

Those 5 years have flown by. It`s a shame Woodley didn`t have a better career, especially after he went to Pittsburgh once Marino became entrenched as our QB. I can still vividly remember the SB loss to Washington and his first quarter TD bomb to Cefalo. Thought for sure we were going to win that game! Unfortunately, David completed just a single pass in the second half. Can`t tell me that didn`t have a long lasting impact on his fragile psyche. RIP David Woodley

 

[Marino13fanboy1]

You mentioned Woodley running, passing, and catching a TD in the same season. I remember quite well Woodley catching that TD pass from Tony Nathan in the 1982 season. Trying to remember the actual game, but that was a beautiful play.....pitch/handoff to Nathan, Woodley goes the opposite direction - Nathan stops and throws to Woodley for the TD....good times. Thinking that was opening day vs. the Jets but I'm not sure.

 

[CedarPhin]

RIP David.

It was really a sad deal...it's too bad his personal problems finally got the best of him.