Wayne Woodrow Hayes was born on February 14, 1913, to Effie and Wayne Benton Hayes. Wayne Benton Hayes was a teacher and later superintendent of schools in Newcomerstown, Ohio, where Woody graduated high school in 1931. Woody also had an older sister named Mary and a brother, Isaac or “Ike” who, like Woody, also played football. Woody’s lifelong love of learning and reading was largely inspired by his father. Early in his career, Woody met and married Anne Gross, with whom he would go on to have one son, Steven.

In addition to his family, Hayes surrounded himself with a wide variety of friends, ranging from other coaches to celebrities to political figures to corporate executives. Among his correspondents were presidents, generals, CEOs, actors, and professional football coaches. Hayes’ influence and personality were known in Washington, D.C., and Hollywood as well as on the sidelines of football stadiums all across the country.

 

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THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania DICK VERMEIL Head Coach February 13, 1981 Mr. Woody Hayes Office of the Head Football Coach Emeritus Converse Hall, Room 201 2121 Tuttle Park Drive Columbus, Ohio 43210 Dear Woody: I just wanted to write and thank you for your nice letter of February 2. Needless to say, we were extremely disappointed that we did not play better than we did, but the way the game went the Raiders just never allowed us to do anything to get excited about and, therefore, maybe they took the edge off us being able to relax and play. There are some things I would do differently now than I did then, but I really do believe we were a good enough team to beat the Raiders if we had played up to our ability. I don't buy the criticism that we are receiving that the squad was overworked and did not have enough relaxation time prior to the game. The people that write that stuff don't know what they are talking about, and it really does not bother me. The highlight of the trip for my parents was the opportunity to meet you and even having their picture taken with you. They are of the old school and respect very much the way you ran your football program. Of course, so do I. I would like to invite you to spend a few days with us at training camp this year if you have the time. I really think you would enjoy that much more than attending the Super Bowl because that will give you a better opportunity to uate how we got there. Everybody that has attended our training camp has enjoyed it, and it would really be an honor to have you there. Thank you for taking the time to spend Super Bowl time with us. It was my honor to have a man of your stature there as our guest. Sincerely, (Signature) Dick Vermeil Head Coach DV:hj