Nicknamed “the Tractor” by former Commodore Head Coach George MacIntyre, Will Wolford is regarded as the finest offensive lineman in Vanderbilt’s modern-day history. Wolford, who played left guard and right tackle as a four-year letter winner, earned unanimous first-team All-SEC honors as a senior in 1985.
Wolford was a key contributor from the time he arrived on campus in Nashville, earning freshman All-American honors as a starting tackle in 1982. He helped that squad to a 8-3 regular season and berth in the Hall of Fame Bowl. Over the next three years, Wolford became one of the nation’s top blockers, blending strength and speed with a 6-6, 275-pound frame. During his final season, Coach MacIntyre described Wolford as “the best lineman in the country.”
After his senior year, the native of Louisville, Kentucky impressed professional scouts at both the Senior Bowl and the discontinued Blue-Gray Classic. Taken by Buffalo as the 20th pick of the 1986 NFL draft, Wolford remains the only Commodore offensive lineman ever selected in the first round.
As it turned out, Wolford joined the Bills at the perfect time. Just six days after signing with the team, a quarterback named Jim Kelly joined the team. When Coach Marv Levy arrived, he moved Wolford from right guard to left tackle. In 1988, two seasons after winning only four games, the Bills went 12-4 and made it to the AFC Championship Game. After another two seasons passed, Buffalo made its first appearance in the Super Bowl. Wolford was a three-time NFL Pro-Bowler and appeared in three Super Bowls. During his NFL career, he played for the Buffalo Bills, the Indianapolis Colts and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Following the ’93 campaign, Indianapolis shocked the Bills by offering Wolford a reported three-year, $7.65 million contract which made him the highest paid lineman in the league times two.
They put in a playing-time clause that would guarantee Wolford be the highest paid player on the team. After 14 seasons in the NFL, Wolford has gone on to pursue other interests. He and his family make their home in Louisville where he is owner of the Louisville Fire Arena League football team. While he serves on several Boards and is active in his community, he continues to find time to coach his children’s teams. He also is an avid race fan, owning several thoroughbred racehorses. In 2013, Wolford became the head football coach at his alma mater, St. Xavier High.