Rod Woodson
 Rod Woodson

There are many words that can describe what kind of person that “Rod Woodson” is; however, one word that stands out from all others would be, “unstoppable”. The year of 1995 would be one of the greatest years for the Pittsburgh Steelers; however, it may have been the end for Rod Woodson. However, the first game of the season in which Woodson was in the prime of his career was struck down in the Detroit Lion’s game. He tore his ACL and was out most of the season. He was able to come back towards the end of the season; however, Chad Scott had already taken his place. They alternated on and off the field for the position of cornerback. The Steelers did the amazing and went straight to the Super Bowl after an upset against the San Diego Chargers. Rod Woodson played one of his best games during the 1995 Super Bowl against the Dallas Cowboys. In various points of the game, he pointed to his knee and made the opposing team know as well as the fans that he was back and there was nothing going to stop him.

Rod Woodson began playing football as a boy in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After gradulation from Snider High School in 1983, Rod was awarded a full scholarship to Purdue University. He starred at Purdue, winning All Big Ten and All American honors in 1985 and 1986. Woodson also starred in track, qualifying for the 1984 Olympic Trials.

The Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1st round drafted rod Woodson as the 10th overall pick in the 1987 NFL draft. Although Woodson played cornerback for the Steelers, he was drafted as a full safety from Purdue.

Purdue was the college that Woodson attended for 4 years. He played this position for the Steelers from 1987 to 1996 when he became a free agent and traded to the San Francisco 49ers.

Rumors had it that Woodson left Pittsburgh because he was asking for more money, but he wanted to continue to play as cornerback and Bill Cowher wanted him as a Safety, because of his injuries. His career as a 49er only lasted a year when the Baltimore Ravens took him. The Ravens drafted him as a cornerback but later came back and wanted him to play the position as a free safety as well. Rod, however, didn’t want to do that and so he played with the Ravens from 1998-2001.

The Oakland Raiders took him during the off-season and discussed once again with Woodson about playing the Safety Position. Rod considered it and then in 2002 he started as a safety for the Oakland Raiders. Rod has continued his career as a Raider from 2002 till the present. Woodson won the Interception Award in 2002 for having the most interceptions, which were 8 to count. Woodson hasn’t had that many interceptions since 1993 when he played with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The term “unstoppable” is only one of many words that there is to describe Woodson’s career as a Professional Football Player. He made the pro bowl several times in the 17 years of his professional career. He has overcome all odds that were stacked against him. In 2003, in the 10th game of the season Woodson was put on the injured list because of his knee once again. He went in and out of surgery with no problems, however was out for the remaining two games of the season.

Woodson is among the NFL's all time leaders in games played as a defensive back and interceptions. In his 17 NFL seasons, Woodson recorded 71 interceptions, 1,483 interception return yards, 32 fumble recoveries, 137 fumble return yards, 2,362 punt return yards, and 15 touchdowns(12 interception returns, 1 fumble return, 2 punt returns). He holds the league record for interceptions returned for touchdowns with 12, and is tied with 11 other players for the record for most fumble recoveries in a single game(3).

For his excellence on the field, Woodson has been named to the Pro Bowl eleven times, a record for his position. Woodson was named 1993's NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. In 1994, he was named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team. The Sporting News and College Football News have also honored him as one of the 100 greatest players of the 20th century.

Unstoppable stopped

Woodson was released by the Oakland Raiders on July 27, 2004 after failing his team physical. He has since officially retired, and has stated to the press that he has no desire to resume his career.

He now works for the NFL Network on "NFL TOTAL ACCESS" with Rich Eisen.