Ickey Woods is a former professional football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Cincinnati Bengals. He is best known for his “Ickey Shuffle” touchdown celebration, which became a fan favorite in the late 1980s. After his football career, Ickey started a successful barbecue sauce business and continues to be involved in various philanthropic efforts.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Ickey Woods was born on February 28, 1966, in Fresno, California. He grew up in the city’s rough neighborhoods and was exposed to gang violence at an early age. Despite the challenges, Ickey excelled in sports and was a standout football player in high school. He was recruited to play at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he played from 1984 to 1987.
College Career
During his time at UNLV, Ickey Woods was a dominant running back and helped lead the team to its first bowl game in 1984. He was a three-time All-American and finished his college career with 4,869 rushing yards and 42 touchdowns. In 1987, he was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, which is awarded to the best player in college football.
Professional Career
Ickey Woods was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1988 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, he rushed for 1,066 yards and 15 touchdowns, helping the Bengals reach Super Bowl XXIII. Although the Bengals lost the game to the San Francisco 49ers, Ickey’s “Ickey Shuffle” celebration after scoring a touchdown became an instant sensation.
Unfortunately, injuries cut short Ickey’s NFL career. He played only three seasons in the league and retired in 1991 with 1,525 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns.
Business Career
After retiring from football, Ickey Woods started a barbecue sauce business called “Ickey’s Sauce.” The business was inspired by his love of cooking and barbecue, and the sauce quickly became a hit in Cincinnati and beyond. Ickey’s Sauce is now available in over 1,000 stores nationwide and has won several awards, including the Best Barbecue Sauce Award at the Scovie Awards.
In addition to his business, Ickey is involved in various philanthropic efforts, including his “Jovante Woods Foundation,” which he founded in honor of his late son who passed away from complications of asthma. The foundation provides financial support to families with children who have asthma.
Personal Life
Ickey Woods is married and has four children. He is a devout Christian and has credited his faith with helping him overcome the challenges he has faced in life. In addition to his philanthropic work, Ickey is also a motivational speaker and often shares his story of overcoming adversity with audiences around the country.
Net Worth
As of 2023, Ickey Woods’ net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million. Most of his wealth comes from his successful barbecue sauce business and his NFL career.
Also read : Chris Kempczinski Biography, Business, Life, Career, Net Worth
FAQs:
Q: What was Ickey Woods’ “Ickey Shuffle” touchdown celebration?
A: He “Ickey Shuffle” was a dance that he would do after scoring a touchdown. It involved a quick step to the left, followed by a shuffle to the right, and then a spike of the football. The dance became an instant sensation and is still remembered by football fans today.
Q: How did Ickey Woods’ barbecue sauce business get started?
A: His barbecue sauce business, “Ickey’s Sauce,” got started after he retired from football. Ickey had always loved cooking and barbecue, and he decided to turn his passion into a business. The sauce quickly became a hit in Cincinnati and has since expanded to over 1,000 stores nationwide.
Q: What is the Jovante Woods Foundation?
A: The Jovante Woods Foundation is a philanthropic organization founded by Ickey Woods in honor of his late son who passed away from complications of asthma. The foundation provides financial support to families with children who have asthma and is dedicated to raising awareness of the condition.
Q: What is Ickey Woods’ message to his fans?
A: Ickey Woods’ message to his fans is one of perseverance and positivity. He has overcome many challenges in his life, including injuries and the loss of his son, and he wants to inspire others to do the same. Through his philanthropic work and motivational speaking, Ickey encourages people to never give up on their dreams and to always keep pushing forward.
Conclusion:
Ickey Woods is a former NFL player turned successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. His “Ickey Shuffle” touchdown celebration and his award-winning barbecue sauce have made him a beloved figure in Cincinnati and beyond.
Despite the challenges he has faced in life, Ickey remains a positive and inspirational figure who is dedicated to giving back to his community.