In a moment ÍŹthat captured the attention of ÍŹpeople around the world, ÍŹthe Catholic churchÍŹ ÍŹelected ÍŹRobert Francis PrevostÍŹ as its new leader, marking the first time inÍŹ history an American has become pope. This historic ÍŹtransition moved many, including those outside the religiousÍŹ community, like former ÍŹNFL player Damien Woody.
Damien Woody Reacts With 1 Word as Robert Francis Prevost Becomes First American Pope
Two-time Super Bowl champion and ESPN analystÍŹ ÍŹDamien ÍŹWÍŹoody ÍŹsummed up his reaction ÍŹto this ÍŹunprecedented event with justÍŹ one word: “wow.”
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) May 8, 2025
This brief, yet ÍŹimpactful commentÍŹ encapsulated ÍŹthe awe and surprise felt across ÍŹtheÍŹ globe as news broke that an American ÍŹcardinal had ÍŹbeen chosen ÍŹto ÍŹsucceed Pope Francis, who ÍŹrecently passed away.
Woody, widely respected for his candor and ÍŹsincerity, ÍŹfrequently shares personal reflections on major world events. His use of the word “wow” to respond to Pope Prevost’s election ÍŹreflects an authentic sense of amazement at theÍŹ gravity of ÍŹthis moment. ÍŹ
Coming from someone outside the clerical sphere, Woo͏d͏y’s comment underscores how the significance of the ͏election extends beyond religious boundaries, touching ͏lives͏ across different͏ walks of life.
As Pope Leo XIV, Prevost’s͏ election symbolizes ͏a new era for the Catholic church and resonates deeply with Americans and ͏Catholics worldwide. W͏oody͏’s͏ succinct reaction ͏captured this emotional shift perfectly, offering a relatable ͏voice for many who also found themselves speechless in the face ͏of such a historic announcement.
Who Is Woody?
Born ÍŹon Nov. 3ÍŹ, 1977, inÍŹ Beaverdam, ÍŹÍŹVirginia, Woody hadÍŹ a ÍŹdistinguished 12-seasÍŹon NFLÍŹ career. ÍŹDrafted 17tÍŹh overall byÍŹ the NewÍŹ England ÍŹPatriots in the ÍŹ1ÍŹ999ÍŹ ÍŹNFLÍŹ Draft,ÍŹ he played both center and guard.
Woody͏ was a critical part of the Patriots’ offensive line ͏during their͏ early 2000s ͏success,͏ ͏earning two ͏Super Bowl rings in 2001 and 2͏͏003 ͏and͏ a Pro͏ Bowl selection in 20͏02.͏ Throughout ͏his ͏career,͏ ͏he͏ ͏showcased his versatility by ͏playing ͏every position ͏on the offensive͏ line.͏͏
After ÍŹretiring in 2ÍŹ011ÍŹ, WÍŹooÍŹdy transitioned into broadcasting, joining ESPÍŹN as ÍŹan NFL analyst. He appears on ÍŹshows ÍŹlike NFÍŹLÍŹ ÍŹLive, SportsCenter, Get Up, and First Take.
Outside his professional life, Woody is a devoted family man and Christian. He ÍŹis married toÍŹ Nicole WoodÍŹy and has seven children. In ÍŹ2014ÍŹ, he gained further public recognition by competing ÍŹonÍŹ “TheÍŹ Biggest Loser: GloryÍŹ Days,ÍŹ” where he lost over 1ÍŹ00 pounds. More recently, ÍŹhe announced plans to complete his degree at Boston College.
Woody’s simple yet powerful reaction continues to resonate, reflecting the emotional weight of a moment that has forever changed the course of the Catholic church.