Ickey Woods
The UNLV standout who electrified Cincinnati with the 'Ickey Shuffle' before injuries cut his prime short.
Elbert L. 'Ickey' Woods is an American former professional running back who played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1988 through 1990. Born on February 28, 1966, he played college football at UNLV before being selected by the Bengals in the second round (52nd overall) of the 1988 NFL draft. Woods is best remembered for his 'Ickey Shuffle' end zone dance, performed after every touchdown. Following a historic rookie season where he set numerous franchise records and led the team to Super Bowl XXIII, a series of injuries shortened his career. He was released from the Bengals in August 1991 at age 24 after playing just three active seasons, leaving behind a legacy defined by explosive speed and a unique cultural impact on the NFL.
- Position
- Running Back
- Draft Year
- 1988
- Signature Move
- The Ickey Shuffle
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Woods arrived in Cincinnati after a standout senior year at UNLV in 1987, where he rushed for an impressive 1,658 yards—leading the nation in rushing—and set school records for single-game attempts. In 1988, he immediately changed the franchise's trajectory, setting rookie records for rushing (1,066 yards), touchdowns (15), and averaging a stellar 4.8 yards per carry. His season culminated in a playoff run to Super Bowl XXIII against the San Francisco 49ers. Beyond stats, he introduced the 'Ickey Shuffle' to the world, a dance performed after every score that became an enduring symbol of NFL joy. His tenure was marked by high expectations and immediate success before injuries derailed his momentum.
In Their Own Story
The defining moments of Woods' career unfolded in 1988, a year where he shattered expectations. As a rookie, he rushed for 1,066 yards and scored 15 touchdowns, setting franchise records that stood for years. His playoff performance was equally dominant, accumulating 228 rushing yards and three touchdowns to lead the Bengals deep into the postseason. In one memorable playoff game against Buffalo on January 8, 1989, he recorded 29 rush attempts for a single-game record. However, the trajectory changed dramatically in the second game of the 1989 season during a 41-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Woods tore his left ACL. He missed 13 months, and by his return, Harold Green had filled his starting role. A subsequent right knee injury in the 1991 preseason further limited him to just 36 carries for 97 yards before he retired at age 26.
Reader's Guide
Woods' career statistics include 332 carries for 1,525 total yards and 27 touchdowns, along with 47 receptions for 397 yards. As of the 2017 offseason, he held over 30 Bengals franchise records, including playoff rushing attempts (89), playoff seasons (72 in 1988), and single-game playoff rushes (29). He also holds records for playoff rushing yards (391) and touchdowns in a rookie season (15). Post-retirement, Woods remained active in football as an assistant coach for the Cincinnati Marshals in 2006 and owns/coaches the Cincinnati Sizzle of the Women's Football Alliance. His personal life includes running two foundations: the Ickey Woods Youth Foundation and the Jovante Woods Foundation, named after his son who died at age 16 from an asthma attack. He has appeared in commercials for Oldsmobile, GEICO, and Cincinnati Bell, often reprising his famous dance.
Did You Know?
- Woods holds the UNLV school record for single-game rushing attempts with 37, set in a single game against Fresno State.
- He was named #7 on NFL Top 10's list of 'Top Ten One-Shot Wonders' due to his short but impactful career.
- In Super Bowl XXIII, despite a loss, Woods rushed for only 1 yard; the game's leading rusher was Roger Craig with 85 yards.
- Woods runs the Jovante Woods Foundation to support cystic fibrosis research and organ donor education after his son died at age 16 from complications related to the disease.
- He appeared in a national GEICO commercial in 2014 where he performed the 'Ickey Shuffle' while buying cold cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ickey Woods?
Elbert 'Ickey' Woods was a dynamic running back for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1988 to 1990, originally drafted out of UNLV in the second round. He became an instant icon in franchise history before his career was cut short by injuries and subsequent release.
What is Ickey Woods most famous for?
He is best remembered for inventing the 'Ickey Shuffle,' a flamboyant end zone dance he performed after every touchdown during his rookie season. This signature move, combined with his explosive playing style, electrified fans and defined an era of Bengals football.
How did Ickey Woods's professional career begin?
Woods entered the NFL in 1988 as a second-round pick and immediately set numerous franchise records during a historic rookie campaign. His performance was instrumental in leading the team to Super Bowl XXIII, marking one of the most impactful debuts in league history.
Why is Ickey Woods considered important to Bengals fans?
He represents a brief but brilliant period of excitement and hope for the franchise, bringing unprecedented energy to the offensive line. Despite his short tenure, his cultural impact through the 'Ickey Shuffle' remains a cherished part of team lore.
How did Ickey Woods's time with the Bengals end?
A series of severe injuries significantly diminished his playing ability and shortened his prime years in Cincinnati. He was ultimately released by the organization in August 1991 at just 25 years old, ending his tenure as a Bengal.
More in Legendary Players & Coaches
Related in Cincinnati Bengals
Links follow this subject's own source article.
Elsewhere in the Cincinnati Bengals universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record