Charles Woodson

Charles Woodson
Charles Woodson
Born	October 7, 1976 (age 50); Fremont, Ohio, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Professional football player (retired), football executive
Years active	1998–2015 (NFL player)
Known for	NFL cornerback and safety, Heisman Trophy winner, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee

Charles Cameron Woodson (born October 7, 1976) is a retired professional football athlete who competed for 18 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers. He spent 14 years playing as a cornerback and transitioned to safety for his final four seasons. Woodson distinguished himself at the University of Michigan, where he received three All-Big Ten honors and was twice recognized as an All-American. In 1997, he achieved national champion status and became the first defensive player awarded the prestigious Heisman Trophy.

Selected fourth overall by the Raiders in the 1998 NFL Draft, Woodson earned Pro Bowl nods during each of his initial four seasons and garnered two first-team All-Pro distinctions. After eight years with Oakland, he signed with the Packers, where over seven seasons he was named the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year and captured victory in Super Bowl XLV. His time in Green Bay included eight Pro Bowl appearances and four first-team All-Pro selections. Woodson returned to Oakland for his last three seasons, adding a ninth Pro Bowl selection during his final year.

Woodson stands among the NFL's most accomplished defensive players, tied for the highest number of defensive touchdowns, ranking second in interceptions returned for touchdowns, and fifth in total interceptions recorded. He is one of a select group to have been chosen for Pro Bowls across three separate decades. His accolades include induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021. In 2025, Woodson became a limited partner with the Cleveland Browns organization.

Early life

Born in Fremont, Ohio, Woodson excelled at Fremont Ross High School, where as a senior he was honored as Ohio's Mr. Football. He concluded his high school career holding records for rushing yards (3,861) and total points scored (466). During his final year, Woodson earned USA Today All-America recognition and was named a Parade High School All-American after amassing 2,028 yards and scoring 230 points. While recruited nationwide as a running back, Michigan specifically targeted him for a defensive back role. In addition to football, Woodson participated as a point guard in basketball and competed in track and field events including relays and long jump.

College career

Woodson matriculated at the University of Michigan, playing under coach Lloyd Carr for the Wolverines from 1995 through 1997. He secured a starting position following the second game of his freshman season and maintained that role through 34 consecutive contests. Beyond cornerback duties, Woodson contributed as a punt returner and occasionally lined up as a wide receiver.

Freshman season

During the 1995 season, Woodson was honored as Big Ten Freshman of the Year and earned All-Big Ten First-team recognition from coaches alongside Second-team honors from media outlets. He led Michigan with five interceptions and totaled eight takeaways.

Sophomore season

In 1996, Woodson set a school record by breaking up 15 passes in one season. His accolades included Chevrolet Defensive Player of the Year, AP First-team All-American status, finalist consideration for the Jim Thorpe Award, and First-team All-Big Ten honors from both coaches and media sources.

Junior season

In 1997, Woodson became the third player from Michigan to secure the Heisman Trophy, outpacing runner-up Peyton Manning by a margin of 282 points. He made history as the first primarily defensive player to earn this distinction, guiding Michigan through an undefeated campaign and a shared national championship title. That same year, he was honored with the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the premier defensive player in college football and repeated as Chevrolet Defensive Player of the Year. Woodson also achieved unanimous first-team All-American status and was recognized as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Most Valuable Player, and Male Athlete of the Year.

Concluding his college tenure, Woodson amassed 18 interceptions, placing him second in Michigan’s all-time records. Renowned for his decisive contributions, he secured two interceptions against No. 2 Ohio State during his freshman year and delivered critical plays throughout his Heisman-winning junior season—including several interceptions and a punt return touchdown that propelled Michigan to a Rose Bowl berth and national championship claim.

Early NFL career

Woodson entered the NFL draft following his junior season at Michigan and was chosen fourth overall in the 1998 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders.

During his rookie campaign, Woodson started all sixteen games, becoming the first Raiders rookie since 1971 to do so, while recording 64 tackles. He ranked third league-wide with five interceptions, returning one for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals, and forced a fumble. His outstanding performance earned him the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and his inaugural Pro Bowl selection.

In 1999, Woodson caught his first career reception—a 19-yard gain versus the San Diego Chargers. He also returned a 15-yard interception for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. That season, he totaled 61 tackles and recovered one fumble, securing another Pro Bowl nod and receiving All-Pro recognition from the Associated Press.

Throughout the 2000 season, Woodson started every game despite battling a turf toe injury. He achieved career-best numbers with 79 tackles, four interceptions, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. This performance garnered him his third straight Pro Bowl invitation and All-Pro honors from Sports Illustrated as well as second-team recognition by the Associated Press.

In 2001, Woodson maintained his streak by starting all sixteen games. His contributions included two sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, and blocking a field goal. Additionally, he returned four punts totaling 47 yards. Woodson played a key role in the memorable postseason Tuck Rule game against the New England Patriots. He earned his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection and was named All-Pro by The Sporting News along with other organizations.

First Super Bowl appearance

Woodson sustained a shoulder injury early in the 2002 season that kept him out for eight games. Despite limited availability, he forced a fumble before missing the final three regular-season contests due to a cracked fibula. He started every playoff game that year, including Super Bowl XXXVII, where he notched an interception despite restricted mobility in the Raiders’ loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Following their Super Bowl defeat, Oakland struggled to a 4–12 record in 2003. During this period, Woodson voiced displeasure with new head coach Bill Callahan. Remaining healthy throughout most of the season, he started 15 games and was designated as a franchise player under a one-year contract based on top-five cornerback salary averages.

In 2004, Woodson appeared in 13 games before a leg injury sidelined him for the last three weeks. He concluded with 73 tackles, 2.5 sacks, one interception, nine passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Afterward, he signed another one-year franchise tag agreement.

The 2005 season saw Woodson start six games before suffering a broken leg that ended his year prematurely. He finished with 30 tackles, one interception, four passes defensed, and one forced fumble.

Career revival

On April 26, 2006, Woodson finalized a seven-year deal with the Green Bay Packers, potentially valued at $52.7 million including bonuses and incentives. His earnings included $10.5 million in the initial year and $18 million across the first three years, with an additional $3 million bonus if he was chosen for the Pro Bowl twice during that period. Although Woodson was initially reluctant to join Green Bay due to its reputation as less cosmopolitan, he accepted the offer since it was his sole option. He later expressed gratitude toward the Packers organization, head coach Mike McCarthy, and the Wisconsin community for their unwavering support, describing it as "truly a blessing."

During an injury-free 2006 campaign, Woodson matched the NFC lead by intercepting eight passes, setting a personal single-season record. On October 22, he scored a touchdown on a 23-yard interception return against the Miami Dolphins. Additionally, he took on the role of the Packers’ primary punt returner for the first time, handling 41 punt returns for 363 yards.

On October 14, 2007, Woodson recovered a fumble and returned it 57 yards for a decisive touchdown in a narrow 17–14 victory over the Washington Redskins. He also secured an interception during that game and earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors—the first time in his career receiving this distinction. Later on November 4, he sealed a win against the Kansas City Chiefs by returning a late interception 46 yards for a touchdown. That season concluded with Woodson tallying 63 tackles, four interceptions, nine passes defensed, and two fumble recoveries.

In 2008, Woodson intercepted two passes versus the Detroit Lions, returning one for a 41-yard touchdown. His performance in September earned him NFL Defensive Player of the Month recognition, and he was selected to his fifth Pro Bowl—his inaugural appearance as a Packer. He ended that year with 62 tackles, seven interceptions (including two returned for touchdowns), 17 passes defensed, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

2009 season: Defensive Player of the Year

Woodson was honored as NFC Defensive Player of the Month for September once again. On November 15, 2009, during a 17–7 triumph over the Dallas Cowboys, he amassed nine tackles (two for loss), recorded a sack, forced two fumbles, and intercepted a pass—becoming the first NFL athlete to achieve this combination in a single game. This performance earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week accolades.

On Thanksgiving Day at Ford Field against the Detroit Lions, Woodson tallied seven tackles along with a sack, forced and recovered a fumble, defended four passes, and intercepted two passes—returning one for a touchdown—while effectively limiting star receiver Calvin Johnson to only two catches totaling ten yards. The Packers secured a 34–12 victory. For his efforts that week and month of November, Woodson received both NFC Defensive Player of the Week and Month awards.

In January 2010, Woodson was again named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for December, making him the sole defensive player to earn this recognition three times within one season. He joined NFL legends Barry Sanders and Mike Vanderjagt as players who have won three Player of the Month awards in a single calendar year. Furthermore, Woodson was honored as the AP Defensive Player of the Year for 2009.

He wrapped up that season with totals of 74 tackles, nine interceptions including three returned for touchdowns, 18 passes defensed, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and two sacks.

During his initial four seasons with Green Bay, Woodson intercepted 28 passes—surpassing his total from eight years with the Raiders (17). He also recorded more defensive touchdowns (eight compared to two) and sacks (6 versus 5.5) while with the Packers. Holding the franchise record for most defensive scores (eight in total: seven via interception returns and one from a fumble return), Woodson earned the 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award along with his sixth Pro Bowl selection and second First Team All-Pro honor. Additionally, he was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Team for the 2000s.

2010 season: Super Bowl champion

On September 9, 2010, Woodson agreed to a contract extension with the Packers, securing an additional five years and $55 million beyond his initial deal. Throughout the 2010 campaign, he tallied two interceptions and forced five fumbles, which earned him his seventh Pro Bowl selection as a starting cornerback. Woodson was also appointed co-captain of Green Bay's defense for the postseason alongside A. J. Hawk.

During the playoffs, Woodson was instrumental in the Packers' triumphs over the Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, and Chicago Bears. He then started in Super Bowl XLV against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although he suffered a broken collarbone late in the first half while defending a pass, he continued to play, recording three tackles and supporting his team as they secured a 31–25 victory—his sole championship win.

After the NFC Championship game, Woodson inspired his teammates with a motivational speech and sent then-President Barack Obama a jersey bearing the message "See you at the White House!" The Packers’ visit to the White House was postponed due to an NFL lockout but eventually occurred in August. During this visit, Obama mentioned Woodson’s pep talk and signed jersey, while Woodson presented the president with a certificate naming him a minority owner of the Packers.

Woodson’s Super Bowl XLV ring features the number "1" alongside the phrase "Mind, Goal, Purpose and Heart," symbolizing his uplifting speech following the NFC Championship. In the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011 list, he was ranked 16th by fellow players.

Final years in Green Bay

In Week 2 of the 2011 season, Woodson intercepted Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers, marking his fourth interception against a fellow Heisman Trophy winner—joining interceptions from Vinny Testaverde, Carson Palmer, and Matt Leinart. By Week 4 against the Denver Broncos, he reached 50 career interceptions after picking off Kyle Orton. This interception was his eleventh returned for a touchdown, placing him second all-time behind Rod Woodson. He wrapped up that season with 74 tackles, seven interceptions (including one pick-six), 17 passes defended, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and two sacks. Woodson earned his eighth Pro Bowl nod and third First Team All-Pro recognition.

At the outset of the 2012 season, Woodson transitioned to safety to replace free safety Nick Collins. Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers utilized him as a hybrid safety/nickelback akin to Troy Polamalu’s role. In Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers, Woodson posted five tackles, 1.5 sacks, and forced a fumble. The following week versus the Chicago Bears, he notched his 55th career interception—his first playing strong safety. However, a broken collarbone sustained in Week 7 against the St. Louis Rams caused him to miss nine games. He concluded that season with 38 tackles, one interception, five passes defended, one forced fumble, and 1.5 sacks.

Woodson returned for postseason action, aiding in the Packers' Wild Card win over the Minnesota Vikings but experiencing defeat in the Divisional Round against the 49ers. Peers ranked him 85th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014 list.

On February 15, 2013, Green Bay officially released Woodson from their roster.

Rejoining Oakland and concluding career

On May 21, 2013, Woodson inked a one-year contract with the Oakland Raiders. He was a starter from the opening week and on October 6 matched the NFL record for the highest number of defensive touchdowns with his 13th, which earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week recognition. That season, he participated in 1,067 out of 1,074 defensive plays, tallying 97 tackles, two sacks, three forced fumbles, two recoveries, three passes defended, one interception, and a touchdown.

In the 14th week of the 2014 season, Woodson once again secured AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors due to his standout performance against the Kansas City Chiefs. He completed that year with 111 tackles, four interceptions, eight passes defended, one fumble recovery, and one sack. His efforts placed him at number 64 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015 list.

The Raiders announced on January 26, 2015, that Woodson would return for another season. Transitioning to strong safety, he became among the rare NFL athletes to have played all three positions in the secondary. Before Week 5 facing the Denver Broncos, Woodson intercepted Peyton Manning twice—a personal career milestone—although Oakland fell short with a 16–10 loss. His October performance earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Month honors. On December 21, Woodson declared his intention to retire after the season concluded. His final appearance occurred on January 3, 2016, in a defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs. He wrapped up the season with 74 tackles, five interceptions, nine passes defended, one forced fumble, and four fumble recoveries and was selected for the Pro Bowl.

Following his playing career, on February 12, 2016, Woodson joined ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown, taking over from Keyshawn Johnson. He remained there until 2018 before transitioning to Fox Sports as a college football analyst.

NFL career statistics

Legend
	AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year
	Super Bowl champion
	Led league
Bold	Personal best

Regular season

Year	Team	Games		Tackles				Interceptions				Fumbles
Year	Team	GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	Int	Yds	TD	PD	FF	FR	Yds	TD
1998	OAK	16	16	64	61	3	0.0	5	118	1	0	2	0	0	0
1999	OAK	16	16	61	52	9	0.0	1	15	1	0	0	1	24	0
2000	OAK	16	16	79	66	13	0.0	4	36	0	0	3	1	0	0
2001	OAK	16	15	52	39	13	2.0	1	64	0	11	1	0	0	0
2002	OAK	8	7	33	31	2	0.0	1	3	0	4	4	1	0	0
2003	OAK	15	15	69	56	13	1.0	3	67	0	8	1	1	3	0
2004	OAK	13	12	73	58	15	2.5	1	25	0	9	2	1	0	0
2005	OAK	6	6	30	26	4	0.0	1	0	0	4	1	0	0	0
2006	GB	16	16	59	48	11	1.0	8	61	1	20	3	1	0	0
2007	GB	14	14	63	52	11	0.0	4	48	1	9	0	2	57	1
2008	GB	16	16	62	50	12	3.0	7	169	2	17	1	1		−2		0
2009	GB	16	16	74	66	8	2.0	9	179	3	18	4	1	0	0
2010	GB	16	16	92	76	16	2.0	2	48	1	13	5
2011	GB	15		15		74		62		12		2.0		7		63		1	17	1	−1	0
2012	GB	7		7		38		25		13		1.5		1		0		5	1	0	0
2013	OAK	16		16		97		75		22		2.00		1		13		00	03	02	025	1
2014	OAK	16		16		'111'''81'''30''''01'''04'''35'00'08'00'01'00'00
2015	OAK	16		16		74		59		15		00		05		22		00	09	01	04'36'00
Career		254	251	1205	983	222	20.0	65	996	11	155	33	18	142	2

Records and accomplishments

NFL

Tied record for most defensive touchdowns in a career: thirteen (shared with Rod Woodson and Darren Sharper)

Oakland Raiders franchise records

Leader in forced fumbles over career: eighteen
Top in passes defended/pass breakups for franchise: eighty-four

Green Bay Packers franchise records

Most interceptions returned for touchdowns: nine
Total defensive touchdowns scored: ten

Personal background

Woodson is an avid oenophile, having cultivated a passion for wine during his time playing near Napa Valley while with Oakland. Collaborating with former Robert Mondavi winemaker Rick Ruiz, he launched a boutique label named "Twentyfour by Charles Woodson," producing fewer than a thousand cases annually of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc varieties. Due to restrictions related to NFL alcohol policies, Woodson refrained from publicly endorsing his wine brand.

His legal history includes two arrests: one in 2000 for driving under the influence and another in 2004 for public intoxication. He is married to April Dixon Woodson and together they have two sons.

On November 26, 2009, Woodson contributed $2 million to support pediatric research at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. He also established the Charles Woodson Foundation focused on breast cancer causes and donated $100,000 toward Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in late 2012.

During Green Bay’s Super Bowl-winning campaign in the 2010 season, Woodson publicly challenged President Barack Obama’s endorsement of their divisional rivals, the Chicago Bears, expressing confidence in a Packers victory; however, he later supported Obama’s re-election bid in the presidential race of 2012.

On May 20, 2025, Woodson became a non-controlling limited partner with the Cleveland Browns.

External links