Rod Woodson is an American football head coach and former player. He was born on March 10, 1965 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. During his college career at Purdue University from 1983 to 1986 he earned All-American honors twice and First Team All-Big Ten three times.
In the NFL Draft of 1987 he was chosen as the tenth overall pick by Pittsburgh Steelers which started a successful 17 year professional career with them, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens and Oakland Raiders.
Throughout his playing days Rod has managed impressive stats such as 1,049 tackles 71 interceptions and 13 ½ sacks while also being awarded Pro Bowl 11 times plus receiving two titles – Super Bowl champion (XXXV) and Defensive Player of Year (1993).
His name can be found among many prestigious rankings including NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team & Hall Of Fame recognition both for Pittsburgh Steelers & College Football Hall Of Fame.
Personal Information of Rod Woodson
Real Name/Full Name | Roderick Kevin Woodson |
Age | 57 |
Birth Place | Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA |
Nationality | American |
Height | 6 feet |
Wife/Spouse (Name) | Nickie Woodson |
Profession | Professional football player |
Stats
season | Team |
---|---|
1987 | PIT |
1988 | PIT |
1989 | PIT |
1990 | PIT |
1991 | PIT |
1992 | PIT |
1993 | PIT |
1994 | PIT |
1995 | PIT |
1996 | PIT |
1997 | SF |
1998 | BAL |
1999 | BAL |
2000 | BAL |
2001 | BAL |
2002 | OAK |
2003 | OAK |
Career |
GP | TOT | SOLO | AST | SACK | FF | FR | YDS | INT | YDS | AVG | TD | LNG | PD | STF | STFYDS | KB |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 45 | 45.0 | 1 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 98 | 24.5 | 0 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 39 | 13.0 | 0 | 39 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 67 | 13.4 | 0 | 34 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 72 | 24.0 | 0 | 41 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 90 | 22.5 | 0 | 57 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
16 | 73 | 66 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 138 | 17.3 | 1 | 63 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
15 | 80 | 65 | 15 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 109 | 27.3 | 2 | 37 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
16 | 71 | 61 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 121 | 20.2 | 1 | 43 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
14 | 47 | 42 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 81 | 27.0 | 0 | 41 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
16 | 88 | 76 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 108 | 18.0 | 2 | 60 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
16 | 66 | 54 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 195 | 27.9 | 2 | 66 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
16 | 75 | 65 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 20 | 5.0 | 0 | 18 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
16 | 74 | 55 | 19 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 57 | 19.0 | 1 | 47 | 16 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
16 | 82 | 70 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 225 | 28.1 | 2 | 98 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
10 | 51 | 40 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 18 | 9.0 | 0 | 13 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
238 | 708 | 594 | 114 | 13.5 | 9 | 14 | 0 | 71 | 1,483 | 20.9 | 12 | 98 | 169 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
season | Team |
---|---|
1988 | PIT |
1989 | PIT |
1990 | PIT |
1992 | PIT |
1993 | PIT |
1994 | PIT |
1996 | PIT |
1998 | BAL |
1999 | BAL |
2001 | BAL |
2002 | OAK |
Career |
GP | PASS | RUSH | REC | RET | TD | 2PT | PAT | FG | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
238 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 96 |
season | Team |
---|---|
1993 | PIT |
Career |
GP | CAR | YDS | AVG | TD | LNG | FD | FUM | LST |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
16 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
238 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
season | Team |
---|---|
1987 | PIT |
1988 | PIT |
1989 | PIT |
1990 | PIT |
1991 | PIT |
1992 | PIT |
1993 | PIT |
1994 | PIT |
1997 | SF |
1999 | BAL |
Career |
punts | kickoffs | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GP | ATT | YDS | TD | FC | LNG | ATT | YDS | TD | KRFC | LNG |
8 | 16 | 135 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 13 | 290 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
16 | 33 | 281 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 37 | 850 | 1 | 0 | 92 |
15 | 29 | 207 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 36 | 982 | 1 | 0 | 84 |
16 | 38 | 398 | 1 | 0 | 52 | 35 | 764 | 0 | 0 | 49 |
15 | 28 | 320 | 0 | 12 | 40 | 44 | 880 | 0 | 0 | 47 |
16 | 32 | 364 | 1 | 13 | 80 | 25 | 469 | 0 | 0 | 32 |
16 | 42 | 338 | 0 | 10 | 39 | 15 | 294 | 0 | 0 | 44 |
15 | 39 | 319 | 0 | 9 | 42 | 15 | 365 | 0 | 0 | 54 |
14 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
16 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
238 | 260 | 2,362 | 2 | 46 | 80 | 220 | 4,894 | 2 | 0 | 92 |
College career
Rod Woodson had a highly successful college career, both on and off the field. He accepted a full scholarship to play football at Purdue University with the goal of studying electrical engineering.
During his four years at Purdue he was an outstanding cornerback and kick returner, as well as playing some offense as a running back or wide receiver. His efforts were rewarded when he was named an All-American defensive back in 1985 and 1986; followed by being selected an All-American returner in 1986 too.
Woodson also earned three times selection for first team All Big Ten during his time at Purdue which is no small feat considering how competitive this conference can be.
On top of these awards, Woodson managed to remain focused on academics throughout college culminating in him graduating from Purdue with honors having completed his degree in Electrical Engineering.
It’s clear that Rod Woodson enjoyed tremendous success while attending university thanks to not only hard work but dedication too. It’s fair to say that without such ambition it would have been difficult for him to achieve all that he did over those four years – both athletically and academically – making him one of the most decorated student-athletes ever produced by Purdue University.
Professional career
Rod Woodson began his professional career with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1987. He was selected as the 10th overall pick of the NFL Draft and immediately proved to be a valuable asset for the team’s rebuilding secondary.
In his rookie season, he started all 16 games and recorded seven interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. This performance earned him Rookie of The Year honors from Pro Football Weekly/Pro Football Writers Association.
Woodson continued to have an impressive career over the next few seasons, being named All-Pro three times (1989–1991).
During this time period he led or tied for lead among defensive backs in interceptions each year (eight in 1989; six in 1990; five 1991), setting multiple franchise records including most consecutive games with at least two passes defensed (12) during 1988–89 season and most total interception return yards gained by a player throughout their entire tenure with the organization (734).
In 1993 Woodson left Pittsburgh after signing a lucrative free agent contract worth $10 million over four years with San Francisco 49ers but ended up spending only one injury plagued season there before moving on again – this time joining Baltimore Ravens 1997 where played till 2001 when retired due winning Super Bowl XXXV ring that same year alongside Ray Lewis & Co.
Woodsen’s legacy lives on today through numerous accomplishments such as becoming first ever cornerback enshrined into Pro Football Hall Fame 2009 along being inducted into both Steelers’ Ring Honor 2003 & Ravens’ Ring Honor 2013 occasions plus having own jersey number (#26) retired by Oakland Raiders 2011 which also made him eligible join prestigious Triple Crown club consisting exclusively players who achieved above feat across different teams league wide.
Coaching career
Rod Woodson is one of the most respected coaches in NFL history and had a successful coaching career at both college and professional levels. Before his outstanding success on the gridiron, he was an excellent basketball coach as well.
He began his coaching career at Valley Christian Senior High School in Dublin, California where he coached defense alongside former Raider John Parrella.
In addition to this role,Woodson also served as head coach of their women’s Varsity Basketball team for several years before moving up to higher-level football coaching roles.
At the collegiate level, Woodson made stops with Purdue University (in 2001–2003) and The Ohio State University (in 2004).
During his time there, he worked closely with defensive backs under then-coach Joe Tiller who noted that “He has tremendous energy…it’s contagious out there on practice field” due to Rod’s enthusiasm while working with players during drills or technique work sessions.
After spending two seasons each at these universities respectively; Woodson moved onto more prominent positions such as: Defensive Backs Coach & Assistant Head Coach for Oakland Raiders (2005–2008), Cornerbacks/Nickelback Coach & Special Teams Coordinator Pittsburgh Steelers (2009–2010), Secondary coach Baltimore Ravens(2011–2012).
Associate Head Coach San Francisco 49ers(2013—2015). Throughout all these experiences it can be seen that Rod Woodsons passion for teaching young athletes about the game never wavered regardless if it was high school students or seasoned professionals playing in Super Bowls.
As Pro Football Hall Of Famer Ronnie Lott put it best when talking about him “when you talk about great teachers from what I’ve seen so far – not only does [Rod] know but. he teaches”.
It goes without saying that we will continue seeing many great contributions from him throughout future generations.
NFL career statistics
Rod Woodson is a former American football player who played in the NFL for 17 seasons. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 10th overall pick of the 1987 Draft and went on to become one of its most legendary players.
His career with the Steelers lasted until 1996, during which he earned seven Pro Bowl selections, three All-Pro honors, two AFC Defensive Player of The Year awards and an MVP award.
In 1997, Woodson joined Baltimore Ravens where his defensive performance continued to improve earning him 5 more Pro Bowl selections over five years with them.
During this time he also made history when he became only third 3-time Super Bowl champion (after Emmitt Smith & Jerry Rice).
In 2002 Rod moved on from Raven’s organization joining Oakland Raiders but due to an injury ended up playing for San Francisco 49ers instead in 2003 before retiring soon after that season because of multiple injuries sustained throughout his long career.
Woodson’s NFL statistics are impressive; 1st all-time Interception return yards (1 789), 11th all time interceptions leader (71) 14th sacks leader(51½ ), 2nd Most Touchdowns scored by interception returns or fumble recovery(12 ), 8 times First Team All–Pro selection among others.
It is no wonder why he got inducted into both College Football Hall Of Fame and Professional Football hall OF fame during same year 2009 making it first such accomplishment since 1966.
Personal life
Rod Woodson was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana to James and Linda Jo Doerflein. He has two older brothers and grew up with close relationships with all three siblings.
His father was African American from Tennessee while his mother had German descent. Rod attended R Nelson Snider High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana and lived with his family in a two-story home located in a predominantly black neighborhood throughout his youth.
Although the Woodsons were well respected by their neighbors they often experienced harassment due to their mixed race background which included both African American and German roots.
Rod’s parents married when he was very young, but despite any hardships they may have faced the family still managed to stay strong together as one unit of love through out all these years since 1960 until now even after the passing of James Woodson (Rod’s late father).
Throughout high school Rod excelled at football playing on defense as cornerback or safety position where he caught local attention for being an outstanding player eventually leading him into college ball at Purdue University then becoming selected 10th overall pick during 1987 NFL draft by Pittsburgh Steelers earning himself numerous awards such as 11x.
Pro Bowler including NFL Defensive Player of year 1993 among many other accolades making him one of most celebrated players ever not only for Steelers team but also across entire league itself over past 3 decades plus counting till this day.
Despite leaving behind successful professional career achievements off field life remained equally important part personal life that kept grounded filled full joy happiness thanksgiving moments shared friends loved ones especially wife Tonya whom married 1998 having four children son Elijah daughter Daria twins Jaden Jeyla respectively.
Where Does Rod Woodson Live?
Roderick Kevin Woodson, commonly known as Rod Woodson, is a former American football player who currently resides in Pleasanton, California with his family. Pleasanton is a city located in the Bay Area of California, known for its charming downtown, excellent schools, and beautiful parks.
Woodson retired from the National Football League (NFL) in 2011, following a successful career as a defensive back. He played for teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Oakland Raiders, and is considered to be one of the best defensive players in NFL history.
He was born on March 10, 1965, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was raised in the city. Woodson grew up playing football and other sports, and eventually attended Purdue University where he played college football. After college, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 1987 NFL Draft.
After his retirement from the NFL, Woodson has remained active in the football community as an analyst and commentator. He currently works as an NFL commentator for the NFL Network, and continues to live in Pleasanton with his family.
Are Charles Woodson and Rod Woodson related?
Yes, Charles Woodson and Rod Woodson are related. They have both had illustrious NFL careers, with each of them being drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1998.
Both players have been at the top of their respective positions since then; they rank second in interceptions returned for touchdowns behind only Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Moreover, they share a family bond that is rare among professional athletes today. This connection has helped propel each player to stardom as well as made them an example to young football fans everywhere looking up to athletic role models from similar backgrounds.
It’s clear that without this familial tie between two great players like Charles and Rod Woodson, we wouldn’t be witnessing some amazing feats on the gridiron nowadays.
How many Super Bowls was Rod Woodson in?
Rod Woodson is a legendary NFL player who has been in three Super Bowls throughout his career. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens and Oakland Raiders respectively in those championship games.
His first Super Bowl appearance was with the Steelers at XXX, then he joined the Ravens team to play against Giants at XXXV and finally finished off playing with The Raiders in XXVII. This makes Rod Woodson one of few players that have participated in more than two super bowls over their career span as an athlete.
In total, Rod Woodson appeared on three different teams during three separate Super Bowls; making him a remarkable figure within professional football history
Why did Rod Woodson leave the Steelers?
Rod Woodson left the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1996 after the team decided that he was not worth his financial demands. Despite being one of their most important players, they allowed him to move on and become a free agent.
This decision was based on several factors such as salary cap concerns, age considerations, and a desire to get younger at key positions. After leaving the Steelers, Rod Woodson went onto have great success with three other teams over seven seasons including winning a Super Bowl with rivals Baltimore Ravens in 2000.
His departure from Pittsburgh showed that even some of their best players were not immune from tough decisions made by management when it came time for contract negotiations.
To Recap
Rod Woodson is a 57-year old former NFL player and current head coach for the Vegas Vipers. He attended R. Nelson Snider High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana before attending Purdue University from 1983 to 1986 where he was named First Team All American twice and First Team All Big Ten three times.
In 1987, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 10th overall pick of the first round in that year’s draft. During his career as an NFL Player, Woodson won Super Bowl XXXV while playing for Baltimore Ravens and became one of only two players ever to win both Defensive Player of The Year Award (1993) and Super Bowl champion within their careers.
His 71 interceptions rank him 5th all time on this list making him one member of both Pro Football Hall Of Fame & College Football Hall Of Fame