BUFFALO, N.Y. — They idolize Eric Wood at Oishei Children's Hospital.
Thirteen-year-old Ian Cameron called him the "friendliest Bills player ever." Francesca Kotowski, 18, said Wood is her "best friend" and her "buddy". A 10-year-old named Lucas exclaimed that the Bills center is his "favorite-ist player of all time."
These are all fitting descriptions for Wood, who very well may be the most beloved center in the National Football League. On Friday, the nine-year veteran and former first-round draft pick out of Louisville announced that a season-ending physical uncovered a serious neck injury. It wasn't the result of one direct hit, but rather an accumulation over time. Surgery and additional treatment won't be able to fix the problem.
The diagnosis means Wood's playing career is over.
And that's very upsetting for Oishei Children's Hospital President Allegra Jaros.
"Not because he's not going to continue to work with us — because he is, which is what's so fantastic about him — but we're just sad for him," Jaros said. "Sad for his family that he's going through this right now."
Indeed, Wood assured the hospital that the Eric Wood Fund and the "Stone's Buddies" program won't be going anywhere, regardless of his injury.
Since he arrived in Buffalo in 2009, Wood has been among the most visible pro athletes in Western New York, always willing to make kids laugh by playing football with them or by taking them on shopping sprees.
At Oishei Children's, Wood has given the kids a rare chance to see NFL football up-close by reserving suite tickets for them at New Era Field. But the fact that Wood plays football isn't necessarily what they admire.
The kids love Wood because he remembers their names. They love him because he pays attention to them and speaks to them on their level. It's easy for them to forget he's even a professional football player — he's that down to earth, they say.
"He's just joyful and gregarious," Jaros said. "You can see the love he has for our community, and for the children in our community."
10-year-old Sofia and her mom, Betsy Abramson, shared a similar story with 2 On Your Side. They weren't at the hospital on Friday, but they were devastated to hear of Wood's career-ending injury.
Sofia practically grew up with Eric Wood after she was diagnosed with an immune deficiency. After meeting at so many events the past six years or so, Sofia and her mom put together a collage of their favorite moments with the Bills center.
Betsy tweeted to Eric Wood's account: "Your time with Sofia has made a huge impact. You may not remember because you do so much for others, but she does. Thank you."
To their surprise, Wood responded. He even quote-tweeted Betsy's original comment.
"I love it! She is a doll and I definitely remember her. She lights up any room she's in," Wood said.
That meant the world to Sofia and Betsy.
"The time that he takes with each child to make them feel valued and important," Betsy said, "is really remarkable."
Back at the hospital, the kids and parents also had dozens of pictures to share from their interactions with Wood over the years.
10-year-old Lucas recalled being a bit nervous before meeting Wood for the first time. But after spending a little time with him, Lucas said he became comfortable around the 6-foot-4, 300-pound lineman.
"Even though he's injured, he's still gonna be a Bills player to us," he said. "In our hearts."