Darren Woodson

Darren Raye Woodson is an American former professional football player who spent his entire career as a safety for the Dallas Cowboys from 1992 to 2003. Raised in Maryvale, Phoenix, he was a standout running back and linebacker at Maryvale High School before walking on at Arizona State University due to NCAA academic qualifications. Drafted by the Cowboys with the 37th overall pick in 1992, Woodson transitioned from an undersized college linebacker to a Pro Bowl safety under the guidance of coach Dave Campo. He finished his career with six Pro Bowl selections, three first-team All-Pro honors, and three Super Bowl victories (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX), establishing himself as a ferocious hitter and team captain during the franchise's second dynasty.

Quick Facts

Position: Safety
Born: 25 April 1969
Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
High school: Maryvale (Phoenix)
College: Arizona State
Draft year: 1992
Draft round: 2
Draft pick: 37

Lore & Background

Woodson’s journey began in Maryvale, where he earned All-City honors scoring six touchdowns in a single game as a senior. At Arizona State, he initially lacked scholarship eligibility but built a reputation as a "ferocious hitter with a keen eye for football" under coach Lovie Smith. By 1989, his sophomore year, he led the Sun Devils with 122 total tackles and 5 for loss, earning team MVP honors. A three-year starter at outside linebacker, Woodson earned honorable mention All-Pac-10 nods in 1989 and 1990, an honorable mention All-America selection as a junior, and a second-team All-Pac-10 spot as a senior captain in 1991.

He concluded his college career with 803 tackles before being invited to the Blue–Gray Football Classic. Inducted into the Arizona State University Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame in April 2009, his collegiate legacy is defined by his transformation from a walk-on linebacker to an NFL safety.

Reader's Guide

Fans of the Woodson era should note his specific positional evolution and key performance markers. Drafted as a linebacker prospect who ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash at his pro day, defensive backs coach Dave Campo saw him as a "safety in waiting" and moved him to safety drills immediately. In 1992, he finished as a backup strong safety behind Thomas Everett but led the team with 19 special teams tackles. By 1994, under new head coach Barry Switzer, Woodson became the full-time starter alongside free safety James Washington, recording a career-high five interceptions and two forced fumbles while starting all 16 games. On February 15, 1996, he signed a six-year, $18 million contract with a $5.40 million signing bonus. Throughout his tenure, he started alongside cornerbacks Larry Brown, Kevin Smith, and Deion Sanders, forming one of the most formidable secondaries in NFL history.

Did You Know?

In the 1993 season, Woodson played with a broken right forearm that had not fully healed, starting two games before being named the permanent starter.
Woodson was selected by the Cowboys using one of the draft picks acquired from the Minnesota Vikings in the Herschel Walker trade.