 Woodson in 2019 | |||||||||||||
| No. 26 | |||||||||||||
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| Positions | Cornerback,safety | ||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||
| Born | (1965-03-10)March 10, 1965 (age 60) Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S. | ||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | ||||||||||||
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg) | ||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||
| High school | R. Nelson Snider (Fort Wayne, Indiana) | ||||||||||||
| College | Purdue (1983–1986) | ||||||||||||
| NFL draft | 1987: 1st round, 10th overall pick | ||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||
Playing | |||||||||||||
Coaching | |||||||||||||
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Roderick Kevin Woodson (born March 10, 1965) is an American former professionalfootball player for 17 seasons in theNational Football League (NFL). Widely considered one of the greatestcornerbacks of all time, Woodson holds the NFL record forfumble recoveries (32) by a defensive player, andinterceptions returned for atouchdown (12). He was named theNFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1993.
Woodson playedcollege football for thePurdue Boilermakers, earning consensusAll-American honors in 1986. He was selected by thePittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the1987 NFL draft and played his first 10 years there. He was also a key member of theBaltimore Ravens'Super Bowl XXXV championship team. He had two shorter stints for theSan Francisco 49ers and two seasons with theOakland Raiders. His71 career interceptions are the third-most in NFL history. He was an inductee of the Class of 2009 of thePro Football Hall of Fame inCanton, Ohio on August 8, 2009. Woodson was inducted into theCollege Football Hall of Fame in 2016. He played most of his career as acornerback then switched tosafety during the later part of his career. Woodson was most recently the head coach of theXFL's Vegas Vipers.
From his retirement in 2003 to February 2011, Woodson worked as ananalyst for theNFL Network (onNFL Total Access andThursday Night Football) and for theBig Ten Network. He spent the2011 season as the Raiders'cornerbacks coach. He then returned to broadcasting, working forWestwood One as an analyst on college football (2012) and the NFL (2013) before resuming his coaching career in 2014. He was announced in July 2022 as theRavens' new radio color commentator beginning with theupcoming season.[3]
Woodson accepted a full scholarship to play football atPurdue University, in part because of a desire to pursue a degree inelectrical engineering.[4] He played primarily as a cornerback and kick returner, but also saw time on offense as a running back and wide receiver. He was named anAll-American cornerback in 1985 and 1986; he was named an All-Americanreturner in 1986 and was a three-time All-Big Ten first team selection.
In his final collegiate game, Woodson gained over 150 combined rushing and receiving yards, in addition to making ten tackles and forcing a fumble, leading Purdue to a victory over arch-rivalIndiana.
Woodson left Purdue with 13 individual records, tying the school record with 11 career interceptions, which he returned for 276 yards and three touchdowns. He currently is ranked in the top ten in career interceptions, solo tackles, total tackles, passes deflected, and kickoff return yardage (1,535 yards) as a Boilermaker.[5]
Woodson was inducted into the Purdue Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003.[5]
On December 11, 2014, theBig Ten Network included Woodson on "The Mount Rushmore ofPurdue Football", as chosen by online fan voting. Woodson was joined in the honor byDrew Brees,Bob Griese, andLeroy Keyes.
On January 8, 2016, Woodson was selected for induction in theCollege Football Hall of Fame.[6][7][8]
Woodson was also an accomplished track and field athlete for thePurdue Boilermakers track and field team, and was twice awarded All-America honors. He finished second at the1985 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships in the 55 meter hurdles and third at the1987 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships in the 55 meter hurdles. Woodson held theNCAA 60 meter hurdles record for 10 years.[5] As of January 2009, he still holds the school records in both the 60 and 110 meter hurdles.[5] He earned five Big Ten championships while at Purdue.[9] In 1984, he qualified for the Olympic Trials in the 110 meter hurdles, but elected to continue his football career in the NFL after graduating from Purdue with a degree incriminal justice.[9]
| Event | Time (seconds) | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 meter hurdles | 7.61 | Indianapolis, Indiana | March 7, 1987 |
| 60 meters | 6.70 | Ypsilanti, Michigan | February 14, 1987 |
| 100 meters | 10.26 | Champaign, Illinois | May 29, 1987 |
| 110 meter hurdles | 13.29 | Irvine, California | June 14, 1987 |
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 202 lb (92 kg) | 31 in (0.79 m) | 10+1⁄2 in (0.27 m) | 4.29 s | 1.51 s | 2.51 s | 3.98 s | 36.0 in (0.91 m) | 10 ft 5 in (3.18 m) | 10 reps | ||
| All values fromNFL Combine[10][11][12] | ||||||||||||
ThePittsburgh Steelers selected Woodson in the first round (10th overall) of the1987 NFL draft.[13] Although the Steelers wanted to draft Woodson to help rebuild their secondary, the team expected Woodson to be drafted before their turn at tenth overall. Head coachChuck Noll instructed defensive coordinatorTony Dungy not to bother with a scouting report on Woodson due to his expected unavailability. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers were able to draft Woodson after theCleveland Browns traded for theSan Diego Chargers' fifth overall pick and subsequently used selection to draft linebackerMike Junkin.[14] TheSt. Louis Cardinals draftedKelly Stouffer (sixth overall) who ultimately never played for the Cardinals due to a contract dispute. TheBuffalo Bills were the last likely team to draft Woodson, but instead used the eighth overall pick to draft linebackerShane Conlan.[15][16]
Woodson missed training camp due to a contract holdout that lasted 95 days after he was unable to come to terms on a contract with the Steelers. Woodson was a World-Class 110-meter hurdler and ran track on the European track circuit during his contract holdout. Woodson had the fourth fastest 110-meter hurdle time in the world. He won the bronze medal at the 1987 USA Olympic festival, and won medals in several IAAF Grand Prix meetings in Europe. Woodson is one of only two athletes in history to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and also earn a world ranking in the high hurdles.[17]
On October 28, 1987, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Woodson to a four-year,$1.80 millioncontract that includes asigning bonus of $700,000.[18][19] Woodson's contract holdout was the longest in the Pittsburgh Steelers' franchise history, untilLe'Veon Bell withheld the entire 2018 NFL season.
On November 8, 1987, Woodson made his professional regular season debut in thePittsburgh Steelers' 17–16 victory at theKansas City Chiefs in week 8. He finished his debut with two kick returns for 48-yards and two punt returns for 12-yards. On November 22, 1987, Woodson made his first career interception off a pass from Bengals' quarterbackBoomer Esiason and returned it for a 45-yard touchdown during the Steelers' 30–16 win in week 11. It was his first career touchdown.[20] He finished his rookie season in1987 with 20 combined tackles in eight games and no starts. Woodson also returned 13 kicks for 290-yards (22.3 YPR) and made 16 punt returns for 135-yards (8.4 YPR).[21]
Woodson entered training camp in 1988 slated as the starting cornerback. Head coach Chuck Noll named Woodson a starting cornerback to begin the regular season, opposite fellow cornerbackDwayne Woodruff.[22] Woodson also retained kick and punt return duties in 1988. On October 9, 1988, Woodson returned a kick for a 92-yard touchdown during a 31–14 loss to thePhoenix Cardinals in week 6. The touchdown was the first kick return touchdown of his career.[23] In week 12, Woodson made his first career sack on Browns' quarterbackBernie Kosar in the Steelers' 27–7 loss to theCleveland Browns.[24] Woodson started in all 16 games in1988 and recorded 88 combined tackles, four interceptions, and was credited with half a sack.[25] He also returned 37 kicks for 850-yards and a touchdown (22.9 YPR) and 33 punts for 281-yards (8.5 YPR).
On January 3, 1989, Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive coordinatorTony Dungy announced his resignation after they finished with a 5–11 record the previous season. The Steelers also fired four assistant coaches.[26]
Woodson and Dwayne Woodruff returned as the Steelers' starting cornerback tandem in 1989.[27] On November 19, 1989, Woodson returned a kickoff for an 84-yard touchdown during a 20–17 win against theSan Diego Chargers.[28] Woodson started 15 games in1989 and recorded 80 combined tackles and three interceptions.[25] He also returned 36 kickoffs for 982-yards (27.2 YPR) and one touchdown and had 29 punt returns for 207-yards (7.1 YPR).[29] ThePittsburgh Steelers finished the season third in theAFC Central with a 9–7 record and earned a wildcard berth. On December 31, 1989, Woodson started in his first career playoff game and had four kick returns for 74-yards during a 26–23 victory at theHouston Oilers in the AFC Wildcard Game. The following week, the Steelers were eliminated from the playoffs after losing 24–23 to theDenver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round.
The Pittsburgh Steelers promoted linebackers coachDave Brazil to defensive coordinator afterRod Rust accepted the head coaching position with theNew England Patriots. Head coach Chuck Noll retained Woodson as a starting cornerback in 1990, oppositeD.J. Johnson.
On September 16, 1990, Woodson returned a punt from Oilers' punterGreg Montgomery for a 52-yard touchdown during a 20–9 victory against theHouston Oilers, marking the first punt return for a touchdown in his career.[30] On December 6, 1990, the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly offered Woodson a three-year, $3 million contract extension. That contract would make Woodson the highest paid player in team history.[31] On December 20, 1990, it was announced that Woodson was selected to play in the1991 Pro Bowl.[32] Woodson started in all 16 games in1990 and recorded 66 combined tackles and five interceptions. He was voted first-team All-Pro in 1990.[25] Woodson had 35 kick returns for 764 return yards (21.8 YPR) and 38 punt returns for 398 return yards and a touchdown (10.4 YPR).
Woodson and D.J. Johnson returned as the starting cornerback tandem in 1991.[33] Woodson was inactive for the Steelers' week 13 victory against theHouston Oilers due to an injury. On November 28, 1991, Woodson recorded his first career solo sack on Cowboys' quarterbackSteve Beuerlein in the Steelers' 20–10 loss to theDallas Cowboys.[34] On December 27, 1991, Pittsburgh Steelers' head coachChuck Noll announced his decision to retire after the Steelers finished with a 7–9 record in 1991.[35] He started in 15 games in1991 and recorded 73 combined tackles, 3 interceptions, and a sack. He also returned 44 kicks for 880 return yards (22.0 YPR) and had 28 punt returns for 320-yards (11.4 YPR).[25]
On January 21, 1992, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced the hiring of formerKansas City Chiefs' defensive coordinatorBill Cowher as their new head coach.[36] On January 31, 1992, Cowher announced the hiring of formerNew Orleans Saints' secondary coachDom Capers as their new defensive coordinator.[37]
On May 19, 1992, it was reported that Woodson was one of nine NFL players to sue the National Football League forunrestricted free agency. Other players includedSteve Beuerlein(Cowboys),Bobby Hebert(Saints),D. J. Dozier(Lions),Scott Mitchell(Dolphins),Jeff Dellenbach (Dolphins),Seth Joyner(Eagles),Clyde Simmons (Eagles), andKevin Ross(Chiefs).[38] Head coach Bill Cowher retained Woodson and D.J. Johnson as the starting cornerback tandem in 1992.[39]
He started in thePittsburgh Steelers' season-opener against theHouston Oilers and made two interceptions off pass attempts by Oilers' quarterbackWarren Moon in their 29–24 victory.[40] On October 25, 1992, Woodson returned a punt for an 80-yard touchdown as the Steelers defeated theKansas City Chiefs 27–3.[41] On November 1, 1992, Woodson delivered a hit to Oilers' quarterbackWarren Moon on a cornerback blitz during a 21–20 win against the Houston Oilers in week 8. The hit gave Moon a concussion and forced him to leave the game.[42] In week 14, he made a career-high two sacks on Bears' quarterbackJim Harbaugh during a 30–6 loss to theChicago Bears.[43] On December 24, 1992, it was announced that Woodson was selected to play in the1993 Pro Bowl.[44] He started in all 16 games in1992 and recorded 100 combined tackles, a career-high six sacks, and four interceptions.[25]
On March 1, 1993, the NFL implemented unrestricted free agency. Woodson received an $1.11 million settlement from the league after being one of 15 plaintiffs to sue the league in a class action antitrust lawsuit.[45]
Woodson and D.J. Johnson returned as the starting cornerback tandem for the fourth consecutive season and started alongside safetiesDarren Perry andCarnell Lake.[46] He started in thePittsburgh Steelers' season-opener at theSan Francisco 49ers and intercepted two passes by quarterbackSteve Young in their 24–13 victory.[47]
On September 18, 1993, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Woodson to a four-year, $12 million contract. The contract made Woodson the NFL's highest paid defensive back.[48] In week 4, he made two interceptions off passes by Falcons' quarterbacksBobby Hebert andBilly Joe Tolliver during a 45–17 victory against theAtlanta Falcons. On October 17, 1993, Woodson intercepted two passes by Saints' quarterbackWade Wilson and returned one for a 63-yard touchdown in the Steelers' 37–14 win against theNew Orleans Saints.[49] Woodson started in all 16 games in1993 and recorded 95 combined tackles, a career-high eight interceptions, two sacks, and a touchdown.[25] He also made 15 kick returns for 294 return yards (19.6 YPR) and 42 punt returns for 338 return yards (8.0 YPR). He was also namedNFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Woodson returned as the No. 1 starting cornerback in 1994, oppositeDeon Figures. He played under defensive coordinator Dom Capers and assistant coachesDick LeBeau andMarvin Lewis.[50] On November 14, 1994, Woodson intercepted pass by Bills' quarterbackJim Kelly and returned it for a 37-yard touchdown in the first quarter of the Steelers' 23–10 win against theBuffalo Bills in week 11.[51] Woodson started in 15 games in1994 and recorded 67 tackles, four interceptions, three sacks, and a touchdown.[25] He also made 15 kick returns for a total of 365 return yards (24.3 YPR) and 39 punt returns for 319 return yards (8.1 YPR).[52]
On January 26, 1995, the Pittsburgh Steelers promoted defensive backs coachDick LeBeau to defensive coordinator afterDom Capers accepted the head coaching position with theCarolina Panthers.[53]
Woodson started as the No.1 cornerback to begin the 1995 regular season, alongsideWillie Williams. On September 3, 1995, Woodson sustained a tornACL when his foot got caught in the artificial turf at Three Rivers Stadium when he attempted to change direction and arm tackleDetroit Lions' running backBarry Sanders in the first quarter of thePittsburgh Steelers' season-opening 23–20 victory against theDetroit Lions.[54] Steelers' safetyCarnell Lake replaced Woodson at cornerback during his injury hiatus.[55] On September 11, 1995, Woodson underwent reconstructive surgery and had his ACL in his left knee replaced with a patella tendon from his right knee.[56]
ThePittsburgh Steelers finished first in theAFC Central with an 11–5 record and earned a first round bye. They defeated theBuffalo Bills 40–21 in the AFC Divisional Round and defeated theIndianapolis Colts 20–16 in the AFC Championship Game. On January 28, 1996, Woodson made his return from injury and played inSuper Bowl XXX as the Steelers lost 27–17 to theDallas Cowboys. Woodson became the first player to return from reconstructive knee surgery in the same season and returned after only 19 weeks. Woodson was limited to 12 snaps inSuper Bowl XXX and was primarily used on third down. During the game, he broke up a pass intended forMichael Irvin and immediately hopped up and pointed at his reconstructed knee.[57]
On August 12, 1996, Woodson declined the Pittsburgh Steelers' three-year, $9 million contract extension offer and requested a long-term contract for four or five-years. They went on to offer Woodson a five-year, $10 million contract extension and a five-year, $13.5 million incentive-laden contract with a signing bonus of $500,000 included.[58] Woodson returned as the starting cornerback alongside Willie Williams, but was relieved of kick and punt return duties.[59]
He started in thePittsburgh Steelers' season-opener at theJacksonville Jaguars and collected a season-high eight combined tackles and made an interception in their 24–9 loss. On September 8, 1996, Woodson recorded five combined tackles and returned an interception by Ravens' quarterbackVinny Testaverde 43 yards for a touchdown during a 31–17 win against theBaltimore Ravens in week 2.[60] In week 11, Woodson recorded five combined tackles and made a season-high two interceptions off pass attempts by Bengals' quarterbackJeff Blake during a 34–24 loss to theCincinnati Bengals.[61] He started in all 16 games in1996 and recorded 71 combined tackles, six interceptions, a touchdown, and a sack.[62]
The Pittsburgh Steelers finished atop the AFC Central with a 10–6 record. On January 5, 1997, Woodson recorded seven combined tackles in his last appearance as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. They went on to lose 28–3 to theNew England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round.
After the 1996 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers offered Woodson a four-year, $7.2 million contract with a signing bonus of $1 million. Woodson became an unrestricted free agent in 1997 after he was unable to agree to a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Woodson was plagued by injuries in 1996, including a strainedAchilles tendon, a sprained knee, and an injury to his back that substantially hurt his value on the free agent market. On April 19, 1997, Woodson declined a four-year, $7 million contract offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers hours before the 1997 NFL Draft. The Steelers subsequently draftedMaryland cornerbackChad Scott in the first round (24th overall) of the1997 NFL draft and ended negotiations with Woodson.[63]
During the offseason, Woodson held a workout at Purdue that was attended by ten teams interested in signing him, including theSan Francisco 49ers,Chicago Bears,Cincinnati Bengals, andJacksonville Jaguars. The Cincinnati Bengals offered Woodson a three-year contract reportedly worth between $1.5 million and $2 million per season.[64]
On July 17, 1997, theSan Francisco 49ers signed Woodson to a three-year contract.[65][64] Head coachSteve Mariucci named Woodson a starting cornerback on the 49ers' depth chart to begin the regular season, oppositeDarnell Walker.[66] On September 14, 1997, Woodson recorded two combined tackles, forced a fumble, and made a career-high three interceptions off passes by Saints' quarterbackDanny Wuerffel during a 33–7 victory against theNew Orleans Saints in week 2.[67] In week 10, he collected a season-high eight combined tackles in the 49ers' 17–10 victory against theDallas Cowboys. He started in all 16 games in1997 and recorded 46 combined tackles, three interceptions, and a forced fumble.[68]
The San Francisco 49ers finished first in theNFC West with a 13–3 record and earned a first round bye. They defeated theMinnesota Vikings 38–22 in the NFC Divisional Round. The following week, Woodson made four combined tackles as the 49ers were defeated by theGreen Bay Packers 23–10. On February 9, 1998, the San Francisco 49ers cut Woodson and former Steelers' teammateKevin Greene in an effort to free up salary cap space.[69]
On February 21, 1998, theBaltimore Ravens signed Woodson to a three-year,$5.70 million contract that includes asigning bonus of $3 million.[70][71] Woodson was reunited with Ravens' defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis who was a linebacker coach for thePittsburgh Steelers.
Head coachTed Marchibroda named Woodson a starting cornerback to begin the regular season, alongsideDuane Starks.[72] On September 4, 1998, it was reported that Woodson entered stage 1 of the league's substance abuse program after refusing to take a drug test the previous month. It was reported that Woodson became infuriated after he was randomly selected to take a drug test on two consecutive days. His refusal automatically counted as a failed test although he subsequently relented and passed the test the next day.[73]
On September 13, 1998, Woodson recorded a season-high 11 combined tackles, made two interceptions, and returned one for a touchdown during a 24–10 win at theNew York Jets in week 2. Woodson intercepted a pass by Jets'quarterbackGlenn Foley, that was intended for wide receiverDedric Ward, and returned it for a 60-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.[74] On November 8, 1998, Woodson made five combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown during the Ravens' 13–10 win against theOakland Raiders. Woodson intercepted a pass by Raiders' quarterbackDonald Hollas, that was intended for wide receiverTim Brown, and returned it for an 18-yard touchdown in the first quarter.[75] He started in all 16 games in1998 and recorded 88 combined tackles, six interceptions, and two touchdowns.[76] On December 28, 1998, the Baltimore Ravens fired head coach Ted Marchibroda after the Ravens finished the season with a 6–10 record.[77]
On January 19, 1999, the Baltimore Ravens hired formerMinnesota Vikings' offensive coordinatorBrian Billick as their new head coach.[78] Billick retainedMarvin Lewis as the Baltimore Ravens' defensive coordinator and hiredMike Smith,Jack Del Rio, andRex Ryan as defensive position coaches. Defensive coordinatorMarvin Lewis opted to move Woodson to free safety after the Baltimore Ravens drafted cornerbackChris McAlister in the first round (10th overall) of the1999 NFL draft. Woodson was named the starting free safety and was used to make checks in coverage and help stabilize a young secondary that also included cornerbacks Duane Starks and strong safetyKim Herring.[79][80]
On November 7, 1999, Woodson recorded two combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown during a 41–9 win at theCleveland Browns. Woodson intercepted a pass by Browns' backup quarterbackTy Detmer and returned it for a 66-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.[81] In week 11, he made four combined tackles and made his 50th career interception off a pass by Bengals' quarterbackJeff Blake during a 34–31 victory at theCincinnati Bengals.[82] On December 5, 1999, Woodson made eight combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown in the Ravens' 41–14 win against theTennessee Titans. Woodson intercepted a pass by Titans' quarterbackSteve McNair, that was intended for wide receiverKevin Dyson, and returned it for a 47-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.[83] In week 14, he collected a season-high nine combined tackles during a 31–24 win at thePittsburgh Steelers. He started in all 16 games in1999 and recorded 66 combined tackles, seven interceptions, and two touchdowns.[25]
Woodson and Kim Herring returned as the starting safety tandem in 2000. Woodson became the veteran presence and a mentor to a young secondary. In week 6, he made three tackles and an interception during a 15–10 win at theJacksonville Jaguars. It became his third consecutive game with an interception. In week 17, he collected a season-high 11 combined tackles and forced a fumble in the Ravens' 34–20 win against theNew York Jets.[84] On December 14, 2000, Woodson was selected to the2001 Pro Bowl, marking the 10th Pro Bowl selection of his career.[85] Woodson started in all 16 games in2000 and recorded 74 combined tackles, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
The Baltimore Ravens finished second in the AFC Central with a 12–4 record and defeated theDenver Broncos 21–3 in the AFC Wild Card Round. On January 7, 2001, Woodson recorded 11 combined tackles in the Ravens' 24–10 win at theTennessee Titans in the AFC Divisional Round. The following week, the Ravens went on to defeat theOakland Raiders 16–3 in the AFC Championship Game. On January 28, 2001, Woodson recorded six combined tackles as the Ravens defeated theNew York Giants 34–7 inSuper Bowl XXXV.[86]
On March 1, 2001, Woodson was one of seven players released by the Baltimore Ravens.[87] He became an unrestricted free agent after the Baltimore Ravens declined an option to retain him.[88] On May 7, 2001, the Baltimore Ravens signed Woodson to a five-year contract.[89] Head coach Brian Billick retained Woodson as the starting free safety. Woodson started alongside strong safetyCorey Harris in 2001.
In week 4, he collected a season-high ten combined tackles and made an interception during a 26–7 win against theTennessee Titans. On December 2, 2001, Woodson made two combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown in the Ravens' 39–27 win against theIndianapolis Colts in week 12. Woodson intercepted a pass by Colts' quarterbackPeyton Manning, that was intended for wide receiverMarvin Harrison, and returned it for a 47-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.[90] He started in all 16 games in2001 and recorded 74 combined tackles, three interceptions, forced a fumble, and scored a touchdown.[25] The Baltimore Ravens finished second in their division with a 10–6 record, but were eliminated from the playoffs after a 27–10 loss at thePittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Round. Woodson finished the game with ten combined tackles (eight solo) and a pass deflection against his former team.[91]
On February 29, 2002, the Baltimore Ravens released Woodson in a salary cap related maneuver.
On May 1, 2002, theOakland Raiders signed Woodson to a six-year contract.[92] Head coachBill Callahan named Woodson the starting free safety to begin the regular season, alongside strong safetyDerrick Gibson.[93]
On September 28, 2002, Woodson recorded four combined tackles, made a career-high three interceptions, and returned one for a touchdown in the Raiders' 52–25 win against theTennessee Titans. He intercepted a pass by Titans' quarterbackSteve McNair, that was intended for tight endFrank Wycheck, and returned it for an 82-yard touchdown in the third quarter.[94] On November 11, 2002, Woodson recorded four combined tackles, deflected a pass, and returned an interception for the final touchdown of his career in the Raiders' 34–10 win at theDenver Broncos in week 9. Woodson intercepted a pass by Broncos' quarterbackBrian Griese, that was originally intended for running backClinton Portis, and returned it for a 98-yard touchdown in the second quarter.[95] He started in all 16 games in2002 and recorded 82 combined tackles (70 solo), a career-high eight interceptions, seven pass deflections, and two touchdowns.[96] On January 2, 2002, it was announced that Woodson was selected to play in the2002 Pro Bowl.[97]
The Oakland Raiders finished first in theAFC West with an 11–5 record and earned a first round bye. They reachedSuper Bowl XXXVII after defeating theNew York Jets 30–10 in the AFC Divisional Round and defeating theTennessee Titans 41–24 in the AFC Championship Game. On January 26, 2003, Woodson recorded eight combined tackles and deflected a pass as the Raiders lostSuper Bowl XXXVII 48–21 to theTampa Bay Buccaneers.
Woodson and Derrick Gibson returned as the starting safety duo in 2003. In week 3, he collected a season-high nine combined tackles during a 31–10 loss at theDenver Broncos. On November 16, 2003, Woodson made five combined tackles, deflected two passes, and made the last interception of his career during a 28–18 win against theMinnesota Vikings. His final interception came off a pass by Vikings' quarterbackDaunte Culpepper. On November 26, 2003, the Oakland Raiders placed Woodson on injured reserve due to a chronic injury to his left knee. He underwent surgery the following month. Woodson finished the season with 51 combined tackles (40 solo), two interceptions, and a pass deflection in ten games and ten starts.[98]
On July 28, 2004, the Oakland Raiders released Woodson after he failed a physical after undergoing knee surgery.[99]
Woodson is among the NFL's all-time leaders in games played as a defensive back. In his 17 NFL seasons, Woodson recorded 71 interceptions, 1,483 interception return yards, 32fumble recoveries (15 offensive and 17 defensive), 137 fumble return yards, 4,894 kickoff return yards, 2,362 punt return yards, and 17touchdowns (12 interception returns, 1 fumble return, 2 kickoff returns, 2 punt returns). He holds the league record for interceptions returned for touchdown with 12, and is tied with 11 other players for the record for most fumble recoveries in a single game (3). His 1,483 interception return yards is the second most in NFL history (Ed Reed has 1,590 yards). His 32 fumble recoveries are a record among defensive players. His 71 interceptions rank third all time.
Woodson was named to thePro Bowl 11 times, a record for his position. He was also the first player to earn trips to the Pro Bowl at cornerback, safety andkick returner.[100] He was named 1993'sNFL Defensive Player of the Year by theAssociated Press. He was also a 7-timeAll-Pro selection. Woodson finished second toDarrell Green in the 1988 NFL Fastest Man Contest.[101]
In 1994, he was named to theNFL's 75th Anniversary Team, one of only five active players to be named to the team. The others wereJerry Rice,Joe Montana,Reggie White andRonnie Lott. In1999, he was ranked number 87 onThe Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players. TheCollege Football News also honored him as one of the 100 greatest players of the 20th century.
In 2007, he was ranked number 22 onUSA Today list of the 25 best NFL players of the past 25 years.[100]
On January 31, 2009, Woodson was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.[102] Woodson named his friend and business associate Tracy Foster as his presenter. Foster runs Woodson's car dealership in Pittsburgh.[103]
Woodson coached the defense at Valley Christian Senior High inDublin, California along with former RaiderJohn Parrella. He was also the head coach of the women's Varsity Basketball team.
The Raiders hired Woodson as theircornerbacks coach on February 14, 2011. He (along with most ofHue Jackson's Raiders staff) was not retained following the 2011 season. On June 12, 2013, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that Woodson would be serving as an intern coach. On February 9, 2015, it was announced that Woodson would be returning to the Raiders as an assistant defensive backs coach under head coachJack Del Rio, defensive coordinatorKen Norton Jr. and defensive backs coachMarcus Robertson. On March 9, 2017, following Robertson's firing earlier that offseason, Woodson was promoted back to cornerbacks coach alongside new safeties coachBrent Vieselmeyer. Woodson was fired following the 2017 season, afterJon Gruden was hired as head coach.
On April 13, 2022, Woodson was announced as one of the eight head coaches for the 2023 season of theXFL. Later on, it was revealed that he would coach the relocatedVegas Vipers. After a 2–8 season in 2023, the Vipers and Woodson agreed to part ways on June 11, 2023.[104]
| Team | Year | Regular season | Postseason | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Won | Lost | Win % | Finish | Won | Lost | Win % | Result | ||
| LV | 2023 | 2 | 8 | .200 | 4th XFL North | — | — | — | — |
| Total | 2 | 8 | .200 | — | — | — | |||
| Legend | |
|---|---|
| NFL Defensive Player of the Year | |
| Won theSuper Bowl | |
| NFL record | |
| Led the league | |
| Bold | Career high |
| Year | Team | GP | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | Punt Returns | Kickoff Returns | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comb | Solo | Ast | Sack | Int | Yds | TD | PD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | Ret | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Ret | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | |||
| 1987 | PIT | 8 | 20 | — | — | 0.0 | 1 | 45 | 1 | — | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 135 | 8.4 | 20 | 0 | 13 | 290 | 22.3 | 36 | 0 |
| 1988 | PIT | 16 | 88 | — | — | 0.5 | 4 | 98 | 0 | — | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 33 | 281 | 8.5 | 28 | 0 | 37 | 850 | 23.0 | 92 | 1 |
| 1989 | PIT | 15 | 80 | — | — | 0.0 | 3 | 39 | 0 | — | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 29 | 207 | 7.1 | 20 | 0 | 36 | 982 | 27.3 | 84 | 1 |
| 1990 | PIT | 16 | 66 | — | — | 0.0 | 5 | 67 | 0 | — | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 398 | 10.5 | 52 | 1 | 35 | 764 | 21.8 | 49 | 0 |
| 1991 | PIT | 15 | 71 | — | — | 1.0 | 3 | 72 | 0 | — | 1 | 3 | 15 | 0 | 28 | 320 | 11.4 | 40 | 0 | 44 | 880 | 20.0 | 47 | 0 |
| 1992 | PIT | 16 | 100 | — | — | 6.0 | 4 | 90 | 0 | — | 4 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 32 | 364 | 11.4 | 80 | 1 | 25 | 469 | 18.8 | 32 | 0 |
| 1993 | PIT | 16 | 95 | — | — | 2.0 | 8 | 138 | 1 | — | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 338 | 8.0 | 39 | 0 | 15 | 294 | 19.6 | 44 | 0 |
| 1994 | PIT | 15 | 83 | 67 | 16 | 3.0 | 4 | 109 | 2 | — | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 39 | 319 | 8.2 | 42 | 0 | 15 | 365 | 24.3 | 54 | 0 |
| 1995 | PIT | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 1996 | PIT | 16 | 67 | 57 | 10 | 1.0 | 6 | 121 | 1 | — | 0 | 3 | 42 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 1997 | SF | 14 | 48 | 43 | 5 | 0.0 | 3 | 81 | 0 | — | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 1998 | BAL | 16 | 88 | 76 | 12 | 0.0 | 6 | 108 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 1999 | BAL | 16 | 65 | 53 | 12 | 0.0 | 7 | 195 | 2 | 18 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.0 | 7 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2000 | BAL | 16 | 77 | 67 | 10 | 0.0 | 4 | 20 | 0 | 10 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2001 | BAL | 16 | 76 | 56 | 20 | 0.0 | 3 | 57 | 1 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2002 | OAK | 16 | 82 | 70 | 12 | 0.0 | 8 | 225 | 2 | 16 | 0 | 3 | 64 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2003 | OAK | 10 | 51 | 41 | 10 | 0.0 | 2 | 18 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Career | 238 | 1,158 | 530 | 108 | 13.5 | 71 | 1,483 | 12 | 59 | 20 | 32 | 137 | 1 | 260 | 2,362 | 9.1 | 80 | 2 | 220 | 4,894 | 22.2 | 92 | 2 | |
Woodson was born inFort Wayne, Indiana and was the youngest of three siblings, with whom he had close relationships. His father, the late James Woodson, wasAfrican American, and his mother, Linda Jo Doerflein, was ofGerman descent.[105] His father was a laborer fromTennessee and his mother worked with the handicapped in Fort Wayne. Woodson attendedR. Nelson Snider High School inFort Wayne, Indiana. His parents married in 1960 and had three sons, Joe, Jamie, and Rod. Woodson was raised in a two-story home in a predominantly black neighborhood. His family experienced harassment through his youth due to their mixed-race.[106]
From 1994 until 2008 Woodson held an annual youth football camp and activities, the Rod Woodson Youth Week, on the grounds of his former high school. This week-long camp featured current and former NFL players mentoring kids on football skills and the importance of education. There was a cheer camp, basketball game, and concert. Woodson funded the majority of the week that also provided academic awards for camp goers and saw hundreds of kids throughout its existence. Woodson was also an outspokenChristian.
Woodson used to split his time between NFL Network studios in Los Angeles, his home in Pleasanton, and a cottage inColdwater, Michigan. He was also part of the studio team forBBC Sport's NFL coverage in 2007, includingSuper Bowl XLII andSuper Bowl XLIII. In February 2011, he accepted the role as the defensive backs coach of the NFL's Oakland Raiders (his former team).[107]
He played defensive back and a variety of offensive skill positions and was named Parade and USA Today All-American, all-state his junior and senior seasons. Woodson was named Indiana "Mr. Football" in 1982. In addition to football, he won both the high and low hurdles state championships in both his junior and senior seasons; and played varsity basketball his junior and senior seasons, making all-conference his senior year.
Woodson resides inPleasanton, California with his wife, Nikki, whom he married in 1992. The couple have five children; two sons and three daughters.[108]
On April 25, 1988, it was reported that Woodson was one of three men arrested for stealing $70 in a tip jar from McCaw's restaurant-bar inWest Lafayette, Indiana. Charges were not filed.[109]
On September 23, 1988, Woodson and teammateDelton Hall were involved in a bar fight with another man inMoon Township, Pennsylvania. Police were called to Sessions Bar at 2:34AM due to a fight involving Woodson, Hall, and a man identified as Derrick Wilson. Hall stated the fight began over criticism about football. The rear window of Wilson's vehicle was broken during the altercation, but Woodson agreed to pay for damages. On September 29, 1988, the Pittsburgh Steelers stated both players had been privately reprimanded for their involvement.[110][111]
On June 13, 1989, Woodson was charged with misdemeanor battery on a police officer after an altercation outside of a bar inFort Wayne, Indiana.[112]
On May 19, 1992, Woodson was arrested in his hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana for battery due to an altercation with his brother, Jamie Woodson. On March 24, 1993, Woodson was found not guilty of battery by a jury.[113]
