Woodson on Avezzano: “It's Hard To Believe”

Darren Woodson was shocked to hear the news of Joe Avezzano's passing

Cowboys’ great Darren Woodson has nothing but fond memories of former Dallas special teams coach Joe Avezzano, who passed away last week while coaching in Italy.

"It's hard to believe," Woodson said of the news, per ESPN Dallas. "I haven't talked to Joe in a year and half, but whenever we do talk it's always a strong conversation, as if we talk to each other every day."

Woodson went on to echo a sentiment that’s been heard from myriad players since Coach Joe’s passing--that Avezzano’s leadership, and relationships with his players, extended well beyond the white lines of the field. 

"He knew your family, he knows all my kids and I know his wife and son," Woodson said. "Daryl Johnston, Kenny Gant, all of us loved him. Back then, the starters played on special teams and if I'm playing 75 defensive snaps I also played on three special teams units. I would get tired and he would say, 'I ain't hearing that stuff.' He would jump on my butt and D.J.'s butt in meetings if we messed up. But he was a part of my family away from football too."

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