Rod Woodson

Lore & Background

The Pittsburgh Steelers wanted to draft Woodson to help rebuild their secondary, but expected him to be drafted before their turn at tenth overall. Head coach Chuck Noll instructed defensive coordinator Tony Dungy not to bother with a scouting report on Woodson due to his expected unavailability. However, the Steelers were able to draft him after the Cleveland Browns traded for the fifth overall pick to draft linebacker Mike Junkin, and the St. Louis Cardinals drafted Kelly Stouffer (sixth overall) who never played for them due to a contract dispute. Woodson missed training camp due to a contract holdout that lasted 95 days. On October 28, 1987, the Steelers signed him to a four-year, $1.80 million contract that included a signing bonus of $700,000. His holdout was the longest in Steelers franchise history until Le'Veon Bell withheld the entire 2018 NFL season.

Reader's Guide

Woodson entered training camp in 1988 slated as the starting cornerback, and head coach Chuck Noll named him a starter opposite Dwayne Woodruff. He started in all 16 games in 1988 and recorded 88 combined tackles, four interceptions, and was credited with half a sack. In 1989, Woodson and Dwayne Woodruff returned as the starting cornerback tandem. Woodson started 15 games and recorded 80 combined tackles and three interceptions.

The Steelers finished third in the AFC Central with a 9–7 record and earned a wildcard berth. On December 31, 1989, Woodson started in his first career playoff game and had four kick returns for 74-yards during a 26–23 victory at the Houston Oilers in the AFC Wildcard Game. In 1990, head coach Chuck Noll retained Woodson as a starting cornerback opposite D.J. Johnson. Woodson started in all 16 games and recorded 66 combined tackles and five interceptions.

In 1991, Woodson and D.J. Johnson returned as the starting cornerback tandem. He started in 15 games and recorded 73 combined tackles, 3 interceptions, and a sack. On November 28, 1991, Woodson recorded his first career solo sack on Cowboys' quarterback Steve Beuerlein in the Steelers' 20–10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Did You Know?

• During his contract holdout, Woodson ran track on the European circuit and had the fourth fastest 110-meter hurdle time in the world.
• Woodson made his first career interception off a pass from Bengals' quarterback Boomer Esiason and returned it for a 45-yard touchdown during a 30–16 win in week 11 of his rookie season.