Rod Woodson

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Rod Woodson
refer to caption
Woodson in February 2019
No. 26
Position:Cornerback,
Safety
Personal information
Born: (1965-03-10) March 10, 1965 (age 59)
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 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10
Career history
As a player:
As a coach:
  • Cincinnati Bengals (2010)
    Coaching intern - Bill Walsh minority coaching fellowship program
  • Oakland Raiders (2011)
    Cornerbacks coach
  • Denver Broncos (2014)
    Coaching intern - Bill Walsh minority coaching fellowship program
  • Oakland Raiders (20152016)
    Assistant defensive backs coach
  • Oakland Raiders (2017)
    Cornerbacks coach
  • Vegas Vipers (2023)
    Head coach & general manager
Career highlights and awards
NFL record
Career NFL statistics
Interceptions:
71
Touchdowns:17
Forced fumbles:20
Sacks:13.5
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Roderick Kevin Woodson (born March 10, 1965) is an American former professional

NFL Defensive Player of the Year
in 1993.

Woodson was selected by the

XFL's Vegas Vipers
.

From his retirement in 2003 to February 2011, Woodson worked as an

cornerbacks coach. He then returned to broadcasting, working for Westwood 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 the Ravens' new radio color commentator beginning with the upcoming season.[3]

College career

Woodson accepted a full scholarship to play football at Purdue University, in part because of a desire to pursue a degree in electrical 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 an All-American defensive back in 1985 and 1986; he was named an All-American returner 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-rival Indiana.

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, the

Purdue Football", as chosen by online fan voting. Woodson was joined in the honor by Drew Brees, Bob Griese, and Leroy Keyes
.

On January 8, 2016, Woodson was selected for induction in the College Football Hall of Fame.[6][7][8]

Track and field

In addition to his exploits on the gridiron, Woodson was also an accomplished track and field athlete at Purdue, and was twice awarded All-America honors. He finished second at the 1985 NCAA championships in the 55 meter hurdles and third at the 1987 NCAA championships in the 55 meter hurdles. Woodson held the NCAA 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 in criminal justice.[9]

Personal bests

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

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
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+12 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 from
NFL Combine[10][11][12]

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Woodson in the first round (10th overall) of the 1987 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 coach Chuck Noll instructed defensive coordinator Tony 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 the Cleveland Browns traded for the San Diego Chargers' fifth overall pick and subsequently used selection to draft linebacker Mike Junkin.[14] The St. Louis Cardinals drafted Kelly Stouffer (sixth overall) who ultimately never played for the Cardinals due to a contract dispute. The Buffalo Bills were the last likely team to draft Woodson, but instead used the eighth overall pick to draft linebacker Shane Conlan.[15][16]

1987

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 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $700,000.[18][19] Woodson's contract holdout was the longest in the Pittsburgh Steelers' franchise history, until Le'Veon Bell withheld the entire 2018 NFL season.

On November 8, 1987, Woodson made his professional regular season debut in the

Kansas 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' quarterback Boomer 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 in 1987 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]

1988

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 cornerback

Cleveland Browns.[24] Woodson started in all 16 games in 1988 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).

1989

On January 3, 1989, Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive coordinator Tony 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.

San Diego Chargers.[28] Woodson started 15 games in 1989 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).
Denver Broncos
in the AFC Divisional Round.

1990

The Pittsburgh Steelers promoted linebackers coach

New England Patriots. Head coach Chuck Noll retained Woodson as a starting cornerback in 1990, opposite D.J. Johnson
.

On September 16, 1990, Woodson returned a punt from Oilers' punter

Houston 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 the 1991 Pro Bowl.[32] Woodson started in all 16 games in 1990 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).

1991

Woodson and D.J. Johnson returned as the starting cornerback tandem in 1991.

Dallas Cowboys.[34] On December 27, 1991, Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach Chuck Noll announced his decision to retire after the Steelers finished with a 7–9 record in 1991.[35] He started in 15 games in 1991 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]

1992

On January 21, 1992, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced the hiring of former

New Orleans Saints' secondary coach Dom 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 for

(Chiefs).[38] Head coach Bill Cowher retained Woodson and D.J. Johnson as the starting cornerback tandem in 1992.[39]

He started in the

Chicago Bears.[43] On December 24, 1992, it was announced that Woodson was selected to play in the 1993 Pro Bowl.[44] He started in all 16 games in 1992 and recorded 100 combined tackles, a career-high six sacks, and four interceptions.[25]

1993

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 safeties

San Francisco 49ers and intercepted two passes by quarterback Steve 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.

NFL Defensive Player of the Year
.

1994

Woodson returned as the No. 1 starting cornerback in 1994, opposite

Buffalo Bills in Week 11.[51] Woodson started in 15 games in 1994 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]

1995

On January 26, 1995, the Pittsburgh Steelers promoted defensive backs coach

Woodson started as the No.1 cornerback to begin the 1995 regular season, alongside Willie Williams. On September 3, 1995, Woodson sustained a torn ACL when his foot got caught in the artificial turf at Three Rivers Stadium when he attempted to change direction and arm tackle

Detroit Lions.[54] Steelers' safety Carnell 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]

The

Dallas 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 in Super Bowl XXX and was primarily used on third down. During the game, he broke up a pass intended for Michael Irvin and immediately hopped up and pointed at his reconstructed knee.[57]

1996

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 the

Cincinnati Bengals.[61] He started in all 16 games in 1996 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 the

New England Patriots
in the AFC Divisional Round.

Free agency

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 strained

Maryland cornerback Chad Scott in the first round (24th overall) of the 1997 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 the San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, and Jacksonville Jaguars. The Cincinnati Bengals offered Woodson a three-year contract reportedly worth between $1.5 million and $2 million per season.[64]

San Francisco 49ers

1997

On July 17, 1997, the

Dallas Cowboys. He started in all 16 games in 1997 and recorded 46 combined tackles, three interceptions, and a forced fumble.[68]

The San Francisco 49ers finished first in the

Green Bay Packers 23–10. On February 9, 1998, the San Francisco 49ers cut Woodson and former Steelers' teammate Kevin Greene in an effort to free up salary cap space.[69]

Baltimore Ravens

1998

On February 21, 1998, the Baltimore Ravens signed Woodson to a three-year, $5.70 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $3 million.[70][71] Woodson was reunited with Ravens' defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis who was a linebacker coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Head coach Ted Marchibroda named Woodson a starting cornerback to begin the regular season, alongside Duane 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 the

Oakland Raiders. Woodson intercepted a pass by Raiders' quarterback Donald Hollas, that was intended for wide receiver Tim Brown, and returned it for an 18-yard touchdown in the first quarter.[75] He started in all 16 games in 1998 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]

1999

On January 19, 1999, the Baltimore Ravens hired former

Minnesota Vikings' offensive coordinator Brian Billick as their new head coach.[78] Billick retained Marvin Lewis as the Baltimore Ravens' defensive coordinator and hired Mike Smith, Jack Del Rio, and Rex Ryan as defensive position coaches. Defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis opted to move Woodson to free safety after the Baltimore Ravens drafted cornerback Chris McAlister in the first round (10th overall) of the 1999 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 safety Kim 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 the

Pittsburgh Steelers. He started in all 16 games in 1999 and recorded 66 combined tackles, seven interceptions, and two touchdowns.[25]

2000

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 the

New York Jets.[84] On December 14, 2000, Woodson was selected to the 2001 Pro Bowl, marking the 10th Pro Bowl selection of his career.[85] Woodson started in all 16 games in 2000
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 the

2001

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 safety Corey Harris in 2001.

In Week 4, he collected a season-high ten combined tackles and made an interception during a 26–7 win against the

Pittsburgh 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]

2002

On February 29, 2002, the Baltimore Ravens released Woodson in a salary cap related maneuver.

Oakland Raiders

On May 1, 2002, the Oakland Raiders signed Woodson to a six-year contract.[92] Head coach Bill Callahan named Woodson the starting free safety to begin the regular season, alongside strong safety Derrick 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 the

Denver Broncos in Week 9. Woodson intercepted a pass by Broncos' quarterback Brian Griese, that was originally intended for running back Clinton Portis, and returned it for a 98-yard touchdown in the second quarter.[95] He started in all 16 games in 2002 and recorded 82 combined tackles (70 solo), a career-high eight interceptions, seven pass deflections, and a touchdown.[96] On January 2, 2002, it was announced that Woodson was selected to play in the 2002 Pro Bowl.[97]

The Oakland Raiders finished first in the

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
.

2003

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 the

Minnesota Vikings. His final interception came off a pass by Vikings' quarterback Daunte 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]

2004

On July 28, 2004, the Oakland Raiders released Woodson after he failed a physical after undergoing knee surgery.[99]

NFL records and accomplishments

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, 32

touchdowns (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 the

NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. He was also a 7-time All-Pro selection. Woodson finished second to Darrell Green in the 1988 NFL Fastest Man Contest.[101]

In 1994, he was named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team, one of only five active players to be named to the team. The others were Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, Reggie White and Ronnie Lott. In 1999, he was ranked number 87 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players. The College Football News also honored him as one of the 100 greatest players of the 20th century.

In 2007, he was ranked number 22 on USA 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]

Coaching career

Woodson coached the defense at Valley Christian Senior High in Dublin, California along with former Raider John Parrella. He was also the head coach of the women's Varsity Basketball team.

The Raiders hired Woodson as their

cornerbacks coach on February 14, 2011. He (along with most of Hue 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 coach Jack Del Rio, defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. and defensive backs coach Marcus Robertson. On March 9, 2017, following Robertson's firing earlier that offseason, Woodson was promoted back to cornerbacks coach alongside new safeties coach Brent Vieselmeyer. Woodson was fired following the 2017 season, after Jon 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 the

XFL. Later on, it was revealed that he would coach the relocated Vegas Vipers. After a 2-8 season in 2023, the Vipers and Woodson agreed to part ways on June 11, 2023.[104]

Head coaching record

XFL

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

NFL career statistics

Legend
NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Won the Super Bowl
NFL record
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular season

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

Personal life

Woodson was born in

African American, and his mother, Linda Jo Doerflein, was of German descent.[105] His father was a laborer from Tennessee and his mother worked with the handicapped in Fort Wayne. Woodson attended R. Nelson Snider High School in Fort 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 outspoken Christian.

Woodson used to split his time between NFL Network studios in Los Angeles, his home in Pleasanton, and a cottage in Coldwater, Michigan. He was also part of the studio team for BBC Sport's NFL coverage in 2007, including Super Bowl XLII and Super 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 in Pleasanton, California with his wife, Nikki, whom he married in 1992. The couple have five children; two sons and three daughters.[108]

Incidents

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 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Charges were not filed.[109]

On September 23, 1988, Woodson and teammate Delton Hall were involved in a bar fight with another man in Moon 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 in Fort 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]

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External links