Rod Woodson

Verified Timeline

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.

In Their Own Story

On November 8, 1987, Woodson made his professional regular season debut in the Steelers' 17–16 victory at the Kansas City Chiefs in week 8, finishing with two kick returns for 48-yards and two punt returns for 12-yards. On November 22, 1987, he made his first career interception off a pass from Bengals' quarterback Boomer Esiason and returned it for a 45-yard touchdown during the Steelers' 30–16 win in week 11. In 1988, Woodson returned a kick for a 92-yard touchdown during a 31–14 loss to the Phoenix Cardinals in week 6. On September 16, 1990, he returned a punt from Oilers' punter Greg Montgomery for a 52-yard touchdown during a 20–9 victory against the Houston Oilers. On December 6, 1990, the Steelers reportedly offered Woodson a three-year, $3 million contract extension that would make him the highest paid player in team history. On December 20, 1990, it was announced that Woodson was selected to play in the 1991 Pro Bowl. He was voted first-team All-Pro in 1990.

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?

• Woodson's contract holdout in 1987 lasted 95 days and was the longest in Steelers franchise history until Le'Veon Bell withheld the entire 2018 NFL season.
• During his contract holdout, Woodson ran track on the European circuit and had the fourth fastest 110-meter hurdle time in the world.
• Woodson is one of only two athletes in history to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and also earn a world ranking in the high hurdles.
• On December 6, 1990, the Steelers reportedly offered Woodson a three-year, $3 million contract extension that would make him the highest paid player in team history.
• 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.