Rod Woodson

At 59 years old, Rod Woodson has this physical status:

Roderick Kevin Woodson (born March 10, 1965) is a retired American football player who competed in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons.

He spent ten years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was a key member of the Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl XXV championship team, defeating the New York Giants.

He also played for the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders, wearing the number 26 throughout his career.

He holds the NFL record for touchdown recoveries (32) by a defensive player, interceptions returned for touchdown (12), and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1993.

His 71 interceptions career ranks third in NFL history.

On August 8, 2009, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in class 2009.

In 2016, Woodson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Rod began his career as a cornerback but then switched to safety during the later stages of his career. Woodson's career spanned 2003 to 2011 Woodson worked as an analyst for the NFL Network (on NFL Total Access and Thursday Night Football) and for the Big Ten Network.

He spent the 2011 season as the Raiders' cornerbacks coach.

He returned to broadcasting, serving as an analyst on college football (2012) and the NFL (2013) before resuming his coaching career in 2014.

Personal life

Woodson was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was the youngest of three siblings, with whom he had close friends. His father, James Woodson, was an African American, and his mother, Linda Jo Doerflein, was of German descent. 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. Joe, Jamie, and Rod, his parents married in 1960 and had three sons. Woodson was born in a two-story house in a predominantly black neighborhood. His family suffered with bullying in his youth due to their mixed race.

Woodson's Rod Woodson Youth Week, an annual youth football camp and sports festival, was held in 1994-1996, on the grounds of his former high school. This week, a weeklong camp offered football skills and education to youth. There was a cheer camp, basketball game, and concert. Woodson sponsored the majority of the week, as well as providing academic awards to campers, and the lives of hundreds of children throughout its history. Woodson was also a vocal Christian.

Woodson divided his time between NFL Network studios in Los Angeles, his home in Pleasanton, and a cottage in Coldwater, Michigan. In 2007, he was also a member of BBC Sport's NFL team, including Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLIII. He took over as the Oakland, California's defensive backs coach in February 2011 (his former team) in February 2011.

He spent his junior and senior seasons in defensive back and a variety of offensive skill positions, and was named Parade and USA Today All-American. In 1982, Woodson was nicknamed "Mr. Football" in Indiana. In addition to football, he won both the high and low hurdles state championships in his junior and senior seasons; he also played varsity basketball his junior and senior seasons, making all-conference appearances his senior year.

Woodson and his partner, Nikki, married in 1992 and now live in Pleasanton, California. The couple have five children, two sons and three daughters.

Woodson was one of three men arrested for stealing $70 in a tip jar from McCaw's restaurant-bar in West Lafayette, Indiana, on April 25, 1988. Charges were not brought.

Woodson and his companion, Delton Hall, were involved in a bar brawl in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, on September 23, 1988. Woodson, Hall, and a man named as Derrick Wilson were summoned to Sessions Bar at 2:34 a.m., according to a scuffle that had engulfed Woodson, Hall, and a man named as Derrick Wilson. The war began because of a skepticism of football, according to Hall. Wilson's rear window was cracked during the altercation, but Woodson agreed to pay for the harm. Both players had been reprimanded for their services publicly on September 29, 1988, according to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After an altercation outside a bar in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Woodson was charged with misdemeanor battery on a police officer on June 13, 1989.

Woodson was arrested in Fort Wayne, Indiana, for battery after an altercation with his brother Jamie Woodson on May 19, 1992. Woodson was not found not guilty of battery by a jury on March 24, 1993.

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College career

Woodson accepted a full scholarship to play football at Purdue University, in part due to his desire to obtain a degree in electrical engineering. He appeared on offense as a cornerback and kick returner, but also as a running back and wide receiver. He was named an All-American defensive back in 1985 and 1986, and he was a three-time All-American first team pick.

Woodson's last collegiate game saw him gain over 150 combined rushing and receiving yards, in addition to a ten tackle tackle and a fumble, leading Purdue to a victory over Indiana.

Woodson left Purdue with 13 individual records, tying the school record for 11 interceptions in the process, which was followed by 276 yards and three touchdowns. As a Boilermaker, he currently ranks in the top ten interceptions, solo tackles, total tackles, deflected, and kickoff return yardage (1,535 yards) as a Boilermaker.

In 2003, Woodson was inducted into the Purdue Intercollegiate Athletic Hall of Fame.

Woodson appeared on "The Mount Rushmore of Purdue Football" on December 11, 2014, as voted by online fan voting. Drew Brees, Bob Griese, and Leroy Keyes all assisted Woodson in the honor.

Woodson was inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame on January 8, 2016.

Woodson was also a top track and field athlete at Purdue, and was twice named All-America champions in addition to his gridiron exploits. At the 1989 NCAA championships in the 55 meter hurdles, he came in second second and third. Woodson held the NCAA 60 meter hurdles record for ten years. He still holds the school record in both the 60 and 110 meter hurdles as of January 2009. While at Purdue, he won five Big Ten championships. After graduating from Purdue with a degree in criminal justice in 1984, he qualified for the Olympic Trials in the 110 meter hurdles but decided to continue his football career in the NFL.

Professional career

In the first round (tenth overall) of the 1987 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Woodson. Despite the Steelers' desire to draft Woodson to help with their secondary, the Steelers wanted to draft Woodson before the team's turn at tenth overall. Due to his expected unavailability, head coach Chuck Noll told defensive coordinator Tony Dungy not to bother with a scouting report on Woodson. After the Cleveland Browns traded for Woodson's fifth overall pick and then used draft pick Mike Junkin to draft linebacker Mike Junkin, the Pittsburgh Steelers were able to draft Woodson. Kelly Stouffer (sixth overall) was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, but he didn't play for the Cardinals due to a wage dispute. The Buffalo Bills had been the last likely team to draft Woodson, but they had to select Shane Conlan, who had drafted him with the eighth overall pick.

Woodson missed training camp due to a job holdout that lasted 95 days, he was unable to agree to a long-term deal with the Steelers. Woodson, a World-Class 110-meter hurdler, followed a track circuit during his work suspension and was on the European track circuit. Woodson set the fourth fastest 110-meter hurdle times in the country. He earned bronze medals in several IAAF Grand Prix meetings in Europe in 1987 and 1988. Woodson is one of only two athletes to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in history and also rank in the top hurdles in the world.

Woodson was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers to a four-year, $1.80 million deal, which includes a signing bonus of $700,000. Woodson's contract deferral was the longest in the Pittsburgh Steelers' franchise history, until Le'veon Bell was locked out for the entire 2018 NFL season.

Woodson made his professional regular season debut in the Pittsburgh Steelers' 17–16 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on November 8, 1987. He made his debut with two kick returns for 48 yards and two punt returns for 12-yards. During the Steelers' 30–16 victory over Week 11, Woodson made his first interception off a pass Bengals quarterback Boomer Esiason and returned it for a 45-yard touchdown. He played for 20 combined tackles in eight games and no starts in his rookie season in 1987. Woodson also kicked 13 kicks for 290 yards (22.3 YPR) and had 16 punt returns for 135 yards (8.4 YPR).

Woodson was scheduled to start training camp in 1988 as the starting lineback. Woodson was named a starting cornerback by head coach Chuck Noll, who also played Dwayne Woodruff. In 1988, Woodson resumed kick- and punt return duties. During a 31–14 loss to the Phoenix Cardinals in Week 6, Woodson returned a kick for a 92-yard touchdown on October 9, 1988. The touchdown was his first kick return touchdown of his career. In the Steelers' 27–7 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 12, Woodson for his first appearance. Woodson appeared in all 16 games in 1988 and had 88 total tackles, four interceptions, and was credited with half a sack. He has also kicked 37 kicks for 850 yards and a touchdown (22.9 YPR) and 33 punts for 281 yards (8.5 YPR).

After finishing with a 5–11 record this season, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Tony Dungy resigned on January 3, 1989. Four assistant coaches have been fired by the Steelers as a result.

In 1989, Woodson and Dwayne Woodruff were back as the Steelers' starting cornerback tandem. Woodson won by 20–17 over the San Diego Chargers on November 19, 1989, after returning a kickoff for an 84-yard touchdown. Woodson played in 1989 and had 80 percent tackles and three interceptions. He also had 36 kickoffs for 982-yards (27.2 YPR) and one touchdown, as well as 29 punt returns for 207 yards (7.1 YPR). With a 9-7 record and a wildcard berth, the Pittsburgh Steelers finished third in the AFC Central in the AFC Central in the AFC Central in the season. During a 26-23 victory over the Houston Oilers in the AFC Wildcard Game, Woodson played in his first playoff game and had four kick returns for 74 yards. The Steelers were dropped from the playoffs after losing 24–23 to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round this week.

After Rod Rust accepted the head coaching position with the New England Patriots, the Pittsburgh Steelers promoted linebackers coach Dave Brazil to defensive coordinator. Chuck Noll, the head coach, retained Woodson as a starting point in 1990, opposite D.J. Johnson, a former British Prime Minister, has voted against the Invention of Johnson.

Woodson punt Greg Montgomery's 52-yard touchdown against the Houston Oilers on September 16, 1990, marking the first punt return to a touchdown in his career. Woodson was apparently given a three-year, $3 million contract extension by the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 6, 1990. Woodson will be the highest-paid player in team history if he were to sign that deal. Woodson was selected to play in the 1991 Pro Bowl, according to the magazine on December 20, 1990. Woodson made 66 tackles and five interceptions in all 16 games in 1990 and had 66 in total tackles and five interceptions. In 1990, he was selected first-team All-Pro. Woodson had 35 kick returns for 764 return yards (21.8 YPR) and 38 punt returns for 398 return yards (10.4 YPR).

Woodson and D.J. In 1991, Johnson was in the starting lineup for the first time. Woodson was inactive for the Steelers' Week 13 victory over the Houston Oilers due to an injury. In the Steelers' 20–10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on November 28, 1991, Woodson became his first solo sacker on Cowboys quarterback Steve Beuerlein. Chuck Noll, the Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach, revealed his resignation on December 27, 1991, following a 7-0 record in 1991. He appeared in 15 games in 1991, with 73 combined tackles, an interceptor, and a sack. He also kicked for 880 return yards (22.0 YPR) and had 28 punt returns for 320 yards (11.4 YPR).

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the addition of former Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Bill Cowher as their new head coach on January 21, 1992. Cowher announced the addition of Dom Capers, the former New Orleans Saints' secondary coach, as their new defensive coordinator on January 31, 1992.

Woodson was one of nine NFL players to sue the National Football League for unrestricted free agency on May 19, 1992. Steve Beuerlein (Cowboys), Bobby Hebert (Saints), D. J. Dozier (Dolphins), Jeff Dellenbach (Dolphins), Seth Joyner (Eagles), and Kevin Ross (Chiefs). Woodson and D.J. were retained by head coach Bill Cowher, who retained Woodson and D.J. In 1992, Johnson was the beginning of the cornerback tandem.

In Pittsburgh's season-opener against the Houston Oilers, he intercepted two interceptions off pass attempts by Oilers quarterback Warren Moon, who led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 28-24 victory. Woodson returned a punt for an 80-yard touchdown as the Steelers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 27–3. During a 21–20 victory over the Houston Oilers on November 1, 1992, Woodson gave Woodson a blow to Oilers quarterback Warren Moon on a cornerback blitz. Moon was concussed, and he was forced to leave the game, owing to his hit. During a 30–6 loss to the Chicago Bears, Jim Harbaugh made his career-high two sacks on him. Woodson was selected to play in the 1993 Pro Bowl on December 24, 1992. He appeared in all 16 games in 1992 and produced 100 combined tackles, a career-high six sacks, and four interceptions.

The NFL initiated an unrestricted free agency on March 1, 1993. After being one of 15 defendants to sue the league in a class action antitrust lawsuit, Woodson received a $1.11 million settlement from the league.

Woodson and D.J. For the fourth straight season, Johnson was the starting cornerback tandem, with safeties Darren Perry and Carnell Lake. In Pittsburgh's season-opener against the San Francisco 49ers, he started intercepting two passes by quarterback Steve Young, who led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 21–13 victory.

Woodson was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers to a four-year, $12 million contract on September 18, 1993. Woodson was the NFL's highest paid defensive back before being signed. During a 45-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, he made two interceptions off passes by Falcons quarterback Bobby Hebert and Billy Joe Tolliver. Woodson intercepted two passes by Saints' quarterback Wade Wilson and returned one for a 63-yard touchdown in the Steelers' 37–14 victory over the New Orleans Saints on October 17, 1993. Woodson began playing in all 16 games in 1993 and finished with 95 tackles, a career-high eight interceptions, two sacks, and a touchdown. He has had 15 kick returns for 294 return yards (19.6 YPR) and 42 punt returns for 338 return yards (8.0 YPR).

Woodson resurfaced as the No. 2 in the United States. 1994, Deon Figures and Irma Khan were both on the back of the one that started in 1994. He served under defensive coordinator Dom Capers and assistant coaches Dick LeBeau and Marvin Lewis. In the first quarter of the Steelers' 23-ten victory over the Buffalo Bills on November 14, 1994, Woodson intercepted pass by Bills' quarterback Jim Kelly and returned it for a 37-yard touchdown. Woodson played in 15 games in 1994 and had 67 tackles, four interceptions, three sacks, and a touchdown. He also made 15 kick returns for 319 return yards (8.1 YPR) and 39 punt returns for 319 return yards (24.3 YPR).

After Dom Capers accepted the head coaching position with the Carolina Panthers on January 26, 1995, the Pittsburgh Steelers promoted defensive backs coach Dick LeBeau to defensive coordinator.

Woodson, alongside Willie Williams, was the No.1 cornerback in the 1995 regular season. In the first quarter of the Pittsburgh Steelers' season-opening 23-20 victory over the Detroit Lions, Woodson sustained a torn ACL when his foot was trapped in the artificial turf at Three Rivers Stadium. Carnell Lake, the Steelers' safety, was recalled at cornerback during his injury absence. Woodson underwent reconstructive surgery on September 11, 1995, and had his ACL in his left knee replaced with a patella tendon from his right knee.

With an 11–5 record and a first round bye, the Pittsburgh Steelers finished first in the AFC Central with an 11–5 record and a first round bye. In the AFC Divisional Round, they defeated the Buffalo Bills 40-21 and beat the Indianapolis Colts 20–16, defeating them 20–16. As the Steelers lost 27–17 to the Dallas Cowboys on January 28, 1996, Woodson recovered from injury and played in Super Bowl XXX. Woodson was the first player to recover from reconstructive knee surgery in the same season, but only 19 weeks have been played. In Super Bowl XXX, Woodson was limited to 12 snaps and was mainly used on third down. During the game, he broke up a pass meant for Michael Irvin and hopped up and pointed at his reconstructed knee.

Woodson turned down the Pittsburgh Steelers' three-year, $9 million contract extension and instead requested a long-term deal for four or five years. Woodson received a five-year, $10 million contract extension as well as a five-year, $13.5 million incentive-laden deal with a $500,000 match bonus included. Woodson returned to the starting lineup alongside Willie Williams but was deprived of kick and punt return duties.

In Pittsburgh's 24-0 loss, he appeared in the Pittsburgh Steelers' season-opener and made an interception. During a 31-17 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in September 8, 1996, Woodson recorded five combined tackles and returned an interception by Ravens' quarterback Vinny Testaverde. During a 34–24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Woodson recorded five total tackles and made a season-high two interceptions off pass attempts by Bengals quarterback Jeff Blake. He appeared in all 16 games in 1996 and finished with 71 combined tackles, six interceptions, a touchdown, and a sack.

With a 10–6 record, the Pittsburgh Steelers finished atop the AFC Central. In his last game as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Woodson earned seven combined tackles on January 5, 1997. In the AFC Divisional Round, the Patriots lost 28–3 to the New England Patriots.

Woodson was given a four-year, $7.2 million contract with a signing bonus of $1 million following the 1996 NFL season. Since he was unable to commit to a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Woodson became an unrestricted free agent in 1997. Woodson was plagued by injuries in 1996, including a strained Achilles tendon, a sprained knee, and an injury to his back that has greatly reduced his value on the free agent market. Woodson turned down a four-year, $7 million contract from the Pittsburgh Steelers just hours before the 1997 NFL Draft. In the first round (24th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft, the Steelers then drafted Maryland cornerback Chad Scott, and ended negotiations with Woodson.

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. Woodson was given a three-year deal by the Cincinnati Bengals, reportedly worth between $1.5 million and $2 million per season.

Woodson was signed by the San Francisco 49ers to a three-year deal on July 17, 1997. Woodson was named a starting point on the 49ers' depth chart for the regular season, according to head coach Steve Mariucci, who replaced Darnell Walker. During a 33–7 victory over the New Orleans Saints on September 14, 1997, Woodson recorded two combined tackles, caused a fumble, and made a career-high three interceptions off passes by Saints quarterback Danny Wuerffel. In the 49ers' 17–10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, he had a season-high eight combined tackles in Week 10. He appeared in all 16 games in 1997, receiving 46 combined tackles, three interceptions, and a forced fumble.

The San Francisco 49ers placed first in the NFC West with a 13–3 record and secured a first round bye. In the NFC Divisional Round, they defeated the Minnesota Vikings 38–22. Woodson made four combined tackles for the 49ers after being defeated by the Green Bay Packers 23–10. Woodson and former Steelers comate Kevin Greene were fired by the San Francisco 49ers on February 9, 1998 in an attempt to free up salary cap space.

The Baltimore Ravens agreed Woodson to a three-year, $5.70 million contract, which also includes a $3 million signing bonus. Woodson was reunited with Ravens' defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis, who served as a linebacker coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Woodson, the head coach, and Duane Starks, made a good start to the regular season. Woodson was classified in stage 1 of the league's substance abuse program on September 4, 1998, after refusing to take a drug test the previous month. Woodson became enraged after being randomly selected to take a drug test on two days in a row. His refusal was automatically classified as a failed test, but he later relented and passed the examination the next day.

During a 24–10 victory over the New York Jets in September 13, 1998, Woodson made 11 total tackles, two interceptions, and one touchdown return. In the fourth quarter, Woodson intercepted a pass by the Jets' quarterback Glenn Foley, which was supposed for wide receiver Dedric Ward, and led to a 60-yard touchdown. During the Ravens' 13-10 victory over the Oakland Raiders on November 8, 1998, Woodson made five combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown. Woodson intercepted a pass by the Oaklands' quarterback Donald Hollas that was intended for wide receiver Tim Brown and returned it for an 18-yard touchdown in the first quarter. He appeared in all 16 games in 1998, with 88 combined tackles, six interceptions, and two touchdowns. After the Baltimore Ravens closed the season with a 6–10 record, head coach Ted Marchibroda was fired on December 28, 1998.

The Baltimore Ravens fired former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Brian Billick as their new head coach on January 19, 1999. Billick signed Marvin Lewis as the Baltimore Ravens' defensive coordinator, while hiring Mike Smith, Jack Del Rio, and Rex Ryan as defensive position coaches. After the Baltimore Ravens drafted cornerback Chris McAlister in the first round (10th overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft, defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis opted to move Woodson to free safety. Woodson was named the starting free safety and was used to perform checks in coverage and help with the stability of a young secondary that also included cornerbacks Duane Starks and strong safety Kim Herring.

During a 41–9 victory over the Cleveland Browns on November 7, 1999, Woodson had two combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Woodson intercepted a pass by Browns' backup quarterback Ty Detmer and returned it for a 66-yard touchdown. During a 34-31 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, he made four combined tackles and his 50th interception in his career, including a pass by Bengals quarterback Jeff Blake. In the Ravens' 41–14 victory over the Tennessee Titans, Woodson made eight combined tackles and returned an interceptor for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Woodson intercepted a pass by Titans' quarterback Steve McNair that was supposed for wide receiver Kevin Dyson and returned it for a 47-yard touchdown. During a 31–24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, he had a season-high nine combined tackles. He appeared in all 16 games in 1999 and had 66 total tackles, seven interceptions, and two touchdowns.

In 2000, Woodson and Kim Herring became the starting safety pair. Woodson became a veteran presence and a mentor to a youth secondary. During a 15–10 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6, he had three tackles and an interception. It was his third game with an interceptions. In the Ravens' 34-20 victory over the New York Jets, he finished with a season-high 11 combined tackles and forced a fumble. Woodson was selected to the 2001 Pro Bowl on December 14, 2000, marking his 10th Pro Bowl pick of his career. Woodson appeared in all 16 games in 2000, total tackles, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

In the AFC Wild Card Round, the Baltimore Ravens finished second in the AFC Central with a 12-4 record and defeated the Denver Broncos 21–3. In the AFC Divisional Round's 24–10 victory over the Tennessee Titans on January 7, 2001, Woodson had 11 combined tackles. The Ravens defeated the Oakland Browners 16–3 in the AFC Championship Game the following week. In Super Bowl XXXV, Woodson made six combined tackles as the Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34–7.

Woodson was one of seven players signed by the Baltimore Ravens on March 1, 2001. After the Baltimore Ravens left him as a free agent, he became an unrestricted free agent. The Baltimore Ravens agreed Woodson to a five-year contract on May 7, 2001. Woodson was retained as the starting free safety by head coach Brian Billick. Woodson was introduced to the sport by Corey Harris in 2001.

During a 26–7 victory over the Tennessee Titans, he made a season-high ten combined tackles and made an interception. Woodson's 39–27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on December 2, 2001, he made two combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Woodson intercepted a pass by Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, which was supposed for wide receiver Marvin Harrison, and returned it for a 47-yard touchdown. He appeared in all 16 games in 2001, with 74 total tackles, three interceptions, sparked a fumble, and scored a touchdown. The Baltimore Ravens finished second in their division with a 10–6 record, but they were suspended from the playoffs after a 27-10 loss to 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.

The Baltimore Ravens cut Woodson in a salary cap move on February 29, 2002.

Woodson was signed to a six-year deal by the Oakland Raiders on May 1, 2002. Woodson was the starting free safety for the regular season, according to head coach Bill Callahan, as well as strong safety Derrick Gibson.

Woodson made four tackles, made a career-high three interceptions, and led one touchdown in the Raiders' 52-27 victory over the Tennessee Titans on September 28, 2002. In the third quarter, he intercepted a pass by Titans' quarterback Steve McNair, which was supposed for tight end Frank Wycheck, and returned it for an 82-yard touchdown. Woodson had four combined tackles, deflected a pass, and returned an interception for his final touchdown of his career in the Raiders' 34–10 victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 9. Woodson intercepted a pass by Broncos quarterback Brian Griese, who was originally meant for running back Clinton Portis, and returned it for a 98-yard touchdown in the second quarter. He appeared in all 16 games in 2002 and totaled 82 touchdowns (70 solo), a career-high eight interceptions, seven pass deflections, and a touchdown. Woodson was selected to play in the 2002 Pro Bowl, according to the release on January 2, 2002.

With an 11-5 record and a first round bye, the Oakland Raiders finished first in the AFC West, ranking first in the AFC West. After defeating the New York Jets 30–10 in the AFC Divisional Round and defeating the Tennessee Titans 41–24 in the AFC Championship Game, the Falcons advanced to Super Bowl XXVII. Woodson made eight combined tackles and deflected a pass as the Oakland Raiders lost Super Bowl XXII 48-21 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 26, 2003.

In 2003, Woodson and Derrick Gibson were back as the starting safety pair. During a 31–10 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 3, he had a season-high nine combined tackles. Woodson made five tackles, deflected two passes, and played his last interception of his career on November 16, 2003, against the Minnesota Vikings. Daunte Culpepper, the Vikings' quarterback, got his last interception off a pass. Woodson was placed on injured reserve by the Oakland Raiders on November 26, 2003, following a persistent injury to his left knee. The following month, he underwent surgery. Woodson finished the season with 51 total tackles (40 solo), two interceptions, and a pass deflection in ten games and ten starts.

After failing a physical after knee surgery, the Oakland Raiders released Woodson on July 28, 2004.

Woodson is one of the NFL's all-time champions in games played as a defensive back. Woodson's 17 NFL seasons saw 71 interceptions, 1,483 return yards, 32 touchdowns (15 offensive and 17 defensive), 1,683 tackle return yards, 2,362 punt return yards, and 17 touchdowns (2 interceptions, 2 punt return yards, and 2 punt return yards, including 17 touchdowns). With 12, he tied for the most fumble recoveries in a single game (3). He has 1,483 interceptions yards, his second highest in NFL history (Ed Reed has 1,590 yards). His 32 fumble recoveries are a record among defensive players. His 71 interceptions rank third in all time.

Woodson was selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times, a record for him. He was also the first player to earn Pro Bowl passes at cornerback, security, and kick returner. The Associated Press named him 1993's NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He was also a 7-time All-Pro pick. In the 1988 NFL Fastest Man Contest, Woodson came in second second, second to Darrell Green.

He was selected to the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team in 1994, becoming one of only five active players to be selected to the team. Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, Reggie White, and Ronnie Lott were among the others. He was ranked 87 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players in 1999. He has also been voted one of the top players of the twentieth century by the College Football News.

He was ranked 22nd on the USA Today list of the top NFL players of the last 25 years in 2007.

Woodson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility on January 31, 2009. Woodson appointed Tracy Foster, his colleague and business associate, as his host. In Pittsburgh, Foster owns Woodson's auto repair shop.

Coaching career

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

On February 14, 2011, the Raiders hired Woodson as their cornerbacks coach. Following the 2011 season, he (along with the majority of Hue Jackson's workers) was not fired. Woodson will be serving as an intern coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers on June 12, 2013. Woodson will be back to the Raiders as an assistant defensive backs coach under new head coach Jack Del Rio, defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., and defensive backs coach Marcus Robertson on February 9, 2015. Woodson was promoted back to cornerbacks coach Brent Vieselmeyer after Robertson's dismissal earlier this offseason. Following Jon Gruden's appointment as head coach, Woodson was fired following the 2017 season.

Woodson was confirmed as one of the eight head coaches for the 2023 season of the XFL, ahead of his debut for Las Vegas on April 13, 2022.

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