View source for Rod Woodson

{{Short description|American football player and coach (born 1965)}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name         = Rod Woodson
| image        = Rod Woodson Jan 2019.jpg
| image_size   =
| alt          = 
| caption      = Woodson in 2019
| current_team = 
| position     = [[Cornerback]], [[Safety (gridiron football position)|safety]]
| number       = 26
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1965|3|10|mf=y}}
| birth_place  = [[Fort Wayne, Indiana]], U.S.
| height_ft    = 6
| height_in    = 0
| weight_lbs   = 205
| high_school  = [[R. Nelson Snider High School|R. Nelson Snider]]<br>(Fort Wayne, Indiana)
| college      = [[Purdue Boilermakers football|Purdue]] (1983–1986)
| draftyear    = 1987
| draftround   = 1
| draftpick    = 10
| pastteams    =
* [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] ({{NFL Year|1987}}–{{NFL Year|1996}})
* [[San Francisco 49ers]] ({{NFL Year|1997}})
* [[Baltimore Ravens]] ({{NFL Year|1998}}–{{NFL Year|2001}})
* [[Oakland Raiders]] ({{NFL Year|2002}}–{{NFL Year|2003}})
| pastcoaching =
* [[Cincinnati Bengals]] ({{NFL Year|2010}}) <br> Coaching intern - Bill Walsh minority coaching fellowship program
* Oakland Raiders ({{NFL Year|2011}}) <br> Cornerbacks coach
* [[Denver Broncos]] ({{NFL Year|2014}}) <br> Coaching intern - Bill Walsh minority coaching fellowship program
* Oakland Raiders ({{NFL Year|2015}}–{{NFL Year|2016}}) <br> Assistant defensive backs coach
* Oakland Raiders ({{NFL Year|2017}}) <br> Cornerbacks coach
* [[Vegas Vipers]] ({{XFL Year|2023}})<br>Head coach & general manager
| highlights   =
* [[List of Super Bowl champions|Super Bowl champion]] ([[Super Bowl XXXV|XXXV]])
* [[AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year|NFL Defensive Player of the Year]] (1993)
* 6× First-team [[All-Pro]] ([[1989 All-Pro Team|1989]], [[1990 All-Pro Team|1990]], [[1992 All-Pro Team|1992]]–[[1994 All-Pro Team|1994]], [[2002 All-Pro Team|2002]])
* 3× Second-team All-Pro ([[1991 All-Pro Team|1991]], [[1996 All-Pro Team|1996]], [[2000 All-Pro Team|2000]])
* 11× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1990 Pro Bowl|1989]]–[[1995 Pro Bowl|1994]], [[1997 Pro Bowl|1996]], [[2000 Pro Bowl|1999]]–[[2003 Pro Bowl|2002]])
* 2× [[List of NFL season interceptions leaders|NFL interceptions leader]] (1999, 2002)
* [[NFL 1990s All-Decade Team]]
* [[NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team]]
* [[NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team]]
* [[Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team]]
* [[Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor]]
* [[Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame]]
* Consensus [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[1986 College Football All-America Team|1986]])
* First-team All-American ([[1985 College Football All-America Team|1985]])
* 3× First-team [[List of All-Big Ten Conference football teams|All-Big Ten]] ([[1984 All-Big Ten Conference football team|1984]]–[[1986 All-Big Ten Conference football team|1986]])
; NFL records
* Most career interceptions returned for touchdown: 12<ref>[https://statm.us/e/m/jFYZPcLww Most career interception touchdowns by a player in NFL history], StatMuse</ref>
* Most total defensive touchdowns: 13 (tied with [[Darren Sharper]] and [[Charles Woodson]])<ref>[https://statm.us/e/m/jy4tNefQB Most interception touchdowns + fumble return touchdowns by a player in their career], StatMuse</ref>
| statlabel1   = [[Tackle (football move)|Tackles]]
| statvalue1   = 1,158
| statlabel2   = [[Interceptions]]
| statvalue2   = 71
| statlabel3   = [[Touchdown]]s
| statvalue3   = 17
| statlabel4   = Forced fumbles
| statvalue4   = 20
| statlabel5   = [[Quarterback sack|Sacks]]
| statvalue5   = 13.5
| pfr          = WoodRo01
| HOF          = rod-woodson
| CollegeHOF   = 2404 
}}

'''Roderick Kevin Woodson''' (born March 10, 1965) is an American former professional [[American football|football]] player for 17 seasons in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). Widely considered one of the greatest [[cornerback]]s of all time, Woodson holds the NFL record for [[fumble]] recoveries (32) by a defensive player, and [[interception]]s returned for a [[touchdown]] (12). He was named the [[NFL Defensive Player of the Year]] in 1993.

Woodson played [[college football]] for the [[Purdue Boilermakers football|Purdue Boilermakers]], earning consensus [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] honors in 1986. He was selected by the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] in the first round of the [[1987 NFL draft]] and played his first 10 years there. He was also a key member of the [[Baltimore Ravens]]' [[Super Bowl XXXV]] championship team. He had two shorter stints for the [[San Francisco 49ers]] and two seasons with the [[Oakland Raiders]]. His [[List of National Football League career interceptions leaders|71 career interceptions]] are the third-most in NFL history. He was an inductee of the Class of 2009 of the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] in [[Canton, Ohio]] on August 8, 2009. Woodson was inducted into the [[College Football Hall of Fame]] in 2016. He played most of his career as a [[cornerback]] then switched to [[safety (American football position)|safety]] during the later part of his career. Woodson was most recently the head coach of the [[XFL (2020)|XFL's Vegas Vipers]].

From his retirement in 2003 to February 2011, Woodson worked as an [[Color commentator|analyst]] for the [[NFL Network]] (on ''[[NFL Total Access]]'' and ''[[Thursday Night Football]]'') and for the [[Big Ten Network]]. He spent the [[2011 NFL season|2011 season]] as the Raiders' [[cornerbacks coach]]. He then returned to broadcasting, working for [[Westwood One (1976–2011)|Westwood One]] as an analyst on college football (2012) and the NFL (2013) before resuming his coaching career in 2014. He was announced in July 2022 as the [[Baltimore Ravens broadcasters|Ravens]]' new radio color commentator beginning with the [[2022 Baltimore Ravens season|upcoming season]].<ref name="y191">{{cite web  | title=Rod Woodson Joins Ravens Gameday Radio Team | website=Baltimore Ravens | date=2022-07-25 | url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/rod-woodson-joins-ravens-gameday-radio-broadcast-team | access-date=2025-02-19}}</ref>

==College career==
Woodson accepted a full scholarship to play football at [[Purdue Boilermakers football|Purdue University]], in part because of a desire to pursue a degree in [[electrical engineering]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090803/SPORTS/908030336/1002 | title=Tracing Woodson's path to greatness | access-date=August 9, 2009 | last=Hayes | first=Reggie | date=August 3, 2009 | work=[[The News-Sentinel]] | place=[[Fort Wayne, Indiana]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716153632/http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20090803%2FSPORTS%2F908030336%2F1002 | archive-date=July 16, 2011 | url-status=dead }}</ref> He played primarily as a cornerback and kick returner, but also saw time on offense as a running back and wide receiver. He was named an [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] cornerback in 1985 and 1986; he was named an All-American [[returner]] in 1986 and was a three-time All-Big Ten first team selection.

In his final collegiate game, Woodson gained over 150 combined rushing and receiving yards, in addition to making ten tackles and forcing a fumble, leading Purdue to a victory over arch-rival [[Indiana University|Indiana]].

Woodson left Purdue with 13 individual records, tying the school record with 11 career interceptions, which he returned for 276 yards and three touchdowns. He currently is ranked in the top ten in career interceptions, solo tackles, total tackles, passes deflected, and kickoff return yardage (1,535 yards) as a Boilermaker.<ref name="purduesports.com">{{cite web | url=http://www.purduesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/013109aab.html | title=Former Boilermaker Rod Woodson Elected To Pro Football Hall Of Fame | access-date=August 9, 2009 | publisher=Purdue University | archive-date=April 19, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419183816/http://www.purduesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/013109aab.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>

Woodson was inducted into the Purdue Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003.<ref name="purduesports.com"/>

On December 11, 2014, the [[Big Ten Network]] included Woodson on "The Mount Rushmore of [[Purdue football program|Purdue Football]]", as chosen by online fan voting. Woodson was joined in the honor by [[Drew Brees]], [[Bob Griese]], and [[Leroy Keyes]].

On January 8, 2016, Woodson was selected for induction in the [[College Football Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://footballfoundation.org/news/2016/1/8/_55536.aspx?path=football | title=NFF Proudly Announces Impressive 2016 College Football Hall of Fame Class | date=January 8, 2016 | publisher=[[National Football Foundation]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/purdue/2016/01/08/purdues-rod-woodson-elected-college-hall-fame/78515928/ | title=Purdue's Rod Woodson elected to College Hall of Fame | first=Ken | last=Thompson | work=[[The Indianapolis Star]] | date=January 8, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.purduesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010816aac.html | title=Woodson Elected To College Football HOF | date=January 8, 2016 | publisher=[[Purdue University]] | access-date=November 15, 2016 | archive-date=November 16, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116020422/http://www.purduesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010816aac.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Track and field===
Woodson was also an accomplished track and field athlete for the [[Purdue Boilermakers track and field]] team, and was twice awarded All-America honors. He finished second at the [[1985 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships]] in the 55 meter hurdles and third at the [[1987 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships]] in the 55 meter hurdles. Woodson held the [[List of United States collegiate records in track and field|NCAA 60 meter hurdles record]] for 10 years.<ref name="purduesports.com"/> As of January 2009, he still holds the school records in both the 60 and 110 meter hurdles.<ref name="purduesports.com"/> He earned five Big Ten championships while at Purdue.<ref name="bleacherreport.com">{{cite web | url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/281298-rod-woodson-boilin-over-at-purdue | title=Rod Woodson: Boilin' Over At Purdue | first=TJ | last=Jenkins | date=October 30, 2009 | publisher=BleacherReport.com}}</ref> In 1984, he qualified for the Olympic Trials in the 110 meter hurdles, but elected to continue his football career in the NFL after graduating from Purdue with a degree in [[criminal justice]].<ref name="bleacherreport.com"/>

====Personal bests====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Event
!Time (seconds)
!Venue
!Date
|-
|[[60 meter hurdles]]
|7.61
|Indianapolis, Indiana
|March 7, 1987
|-
|[[60 meters]]
|6.70
|Ypsilanti, Michigan
|February 14, 1987
|-
|[[100 meters]]
|10.26
|Champaign, Illinois
|May 29, 1987
|-
|[[110 meter hurdles]]
|13.29
|Irvine, California
|June 14, 1987
|}

==Professional career==
{{NFL predraft
|    height ft = 6
|    height in = 0
|       weight = 202
|         dash = 4.29
|    ten split = 1.51
| twenty split = 2.51
|      shuttle = 3.98
|   cone drill = 
|     vertical = 36.0
|     broad ft = 10
|     broad in = 5
|        bench = 10
|    wonderlic = 
|     arm span = 31
|    hand span = 10 1/2
|         note = All values from [[NFL Combine]]<ref>{{cite web |title=As football player, athlete and person, Woodson grades out near the top |url=http://www.nfl.com/halloffame/story/09000d5d8116a290/article/as-football-player-athlete-and-person-woodson-grades-out-near-the-top |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=NFL.com |author=[[Gil Brandt]] |date=July 22, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=26494 |title=Rod Woodson, Combine Results, CB - Purdue |website=nflcombineresults.com |access-date=June 20, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Rod Woodson: Boilin' on over at Purdue |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/281298-rod-woodson-boilin-over-at-purdue |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=BleacherReport.com |author=Jenkins, T.J. |date=October 30, 2009}}</ref>
}}

===Pittsburgh Steelers===
The [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] selected Woodson in the first round (10th overall) of the [[1987 NFL draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1987 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1987/draft.htm |access-date=September 25, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Although the Steelers wanted to draft Woodson to help rebuild their secondary, the team expected Woodson 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 Pittsburgh Steelers were able to draft Woodson after the [[Cleveland Browns]] traded for the [[San Diego Chargers|San Diego Chargers']] fifth overall pick and subsequently used selection to draft linebacker [[Mike Junkin]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Rookie linebacker Mike Junkin, the Cleveland Browns' first-round pick |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/11/11/Rookie-linebacker-Mike-Junkin-the-Cleveland-Browns-first-round-pick/6022563605200/ |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=upi.com |date=November 11, 1987}}</ref> The [[St. Louis Cardinals (NFL)|St. Louis Cardinals]] drafted [[Kelly Stouffer]] (sixth overall) who ultimately never played for the Cardinals due to a contract dispute. The [[Buffalo Bills]] were the last likely team to draft Woodson, but instead used the eighth overall pick to draft linebacker [[Shane Conlan]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Getting-Woodson-was-pure-luck/cdc56873-fea0-4a91-a65d-ee7a073fe57d | title=Getting Woodson was pure luck | first=Bob | last=Labriola | date=April 5, 2011 | publisher=steelers.com | access-date=February 8, 2016 | archive-date=April 12, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412212152/http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Getting-Woodson-was-pure-luck/cdc56873-fea0-4a91-a65d-ee7a073fe57d | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ARTICLE Steelers Drafted CB Rod Woodson 28 Years Ago Today |url=https://steelersdepot.com/2015/04/steelers-drafted-cb-rod-woodson-28-years-ago-today/ |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=SteelersDepot.com |author=Bryan, Dave |date=April 28, 2015}}</ref>

====1987====
Woodson missed training camp due to a contract holdout that lasted 95 days after he was unable to come to terms on a contract with the Steelers. Woodson was a World-Class 110-meter hurdler and ran track on the European track circuit during his contract holdout. Woodson had the fourth fastest 110-meter hurdle time in the world. He won the bronze medal at the 1987 USA Olympic festival, and won medals in several IAAF Grand Prix meetings in Europe. 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.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/steelers-dont-expect-holdouts-403032/ | work=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] | title=Steelers don't expect holdouts | first=Ed | last=Bouchette | date=July 22, 2008}}</ref>

On October 28, 1987, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Woodson to a four-year, [[United States dollar|$]]1.80 million [[contract]] that includes a [[signing bonus]] of $700,000.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rod Woodson in finally getting a taste of training camp |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/07/22/Rod-Woodson-finally-is-getting-a-taste-of-training/1192585547200/ |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=upi.com |date=July 22, 1988}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=SPORTS PEOPLE; Woodson Signs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/29/sports/sports-people-woodson-signs.html |access-date=September 19, 2018 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=October 28, 1987}}</ref> Woodson's contract holdout was the longest in the Pittsburgh Steelers' franchise history, until [[Le'Veon Bell]] withheld the entire 2018 NFL season.

On November 8, 1987, Woodson made his professional regular season debut in the [[1987 Pittsburgh Steelers|Pittsburgh Steelers']] 17–16 victory at the [[1987 Kansas City Chiefs|Kansas City Chiefs]] in week 8. He finished his debut with two kick returns for 48-yards and two punt returns for 12-yards. On November 22, 1987, Woodson 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. It was his first career touchdown.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/2009/7/30/ill-take-that/ | title=I'll take that! | date=July 30, 2009 | publisher=profootballhof.com}}</ref> He finished his rookie season in [[1987 NFL season|1987]] with 20 combined tackles in eight games and no starts. Woodson also returned 13 kicks for 290-yards (22.3 YPR) and made 16 punt returns for 135-yards (8.4 YPR).<ref>{{cite web |title=Pro Football Reference; Rod Woodson: Game Log (1987)  |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WoodRo01/gamelog/1987/ |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

====1988====
Woodson entered training camp in 1988 slated as the starting cornerback. Head coach Chuck Noll named Woodson a starting cornerback to begin the regular season, opposite fellow cornerback [[Dwayne Woodruff]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1988 Pittsburgh Steelers Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/1988_roster.htm |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Woodson also retained kick and punt return duties in 1988. On October 9, 1988, Woodson returned a kick for a 92-yard touchdown during a 31–14 loss to the [[1988 Phoenix Cardinals|Phoenix Cardinals]] in week 6. The touchdown was the first kick return touchdown of his career.<ref>{{cite web |title=Phoenix Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers - October 9th, 1988 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198810090crd.htm |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In week 12, Woodson made his first career sack on Browns' quarterback [[Bernie Kosar]] in the Steelers' 27–7 loss to the [[1988 Cleveland Browns|Cleveland Browns]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers - October 20th, 1988 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198811200cle.htm |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Woodson started in all 16 games in [[1988 NFL season|1988]] and recorded 88 combined tackles, four interceptions, and was credited with half a sack.<ref name="defense">{{cite web |title=Pro Football Reference: Rod Woodson (Defense & Fumbles) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WoodRo01.htm |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He also returned 37 kicks for 850-yards and a touchdown (22.9 YPR) and 33 punts for 281-yards (8.5 YPR).

====1989====
On January 3, 1989, Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive coordinator [[Tony Dungy]] announced his resignation after they finished with a 5–11 record the previous season. The Steelers also fired four assistant coaches.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Pittsburgh Steelers, who finished the 1989 season with a 5-11 record |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/01/03/The-Pittsburgh-Steelers-who-finished-the-1988-season-with/2251599806800/ |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=upi.com}}</ref>

Woodson and Dwayne Woodruff returned as the Steelers' starting cornerback tandem in 1989.<ref>{{cite web |title=1989 Pittsburgh Steelers Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/1989_roster.htm |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On November 19, 1989, Woodson returned a kickoff for an 84-yard touchdown during a 20–17 win against the [[1989 San Diego Chargers|San Diego Chargers]].<ref>{{cite web |title=San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers - November 19, 1989 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198911190pit.htm |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Woodson started 15 games in [[1989 NFL season|1989]] and recorded 80 combined tackles and three interceptions.<ref name="defense"/> He also returned 36 kickoffs for 982-yards 
(27.2 YPR) and one touchdown and had 29 punt returns for 207-yards (7.1 YPR).<ref>{{cite web |title=Pro Football Reference; Rod Woodson: Game Log (1989) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WoodRo01/gamelog/1989/ |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> The [[1989 Pittsburgh Steelers|Pittsburgh Steelers]] finished the season 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 [[1989 Houston Oilers|Houston Oilers]] in the AFC Wildcard Game. The following week, the Steelers were eliminated from the playoffs after losing 24–23 to the [[1989 Denver Broncos|Denver Broncos]] in the AFC Divisional Round.

====1990====
The Pittsburgh Steelers promoted linebackers coach [[Dave Brazil (American football)|Dave Brazil]] to defensive coordinator after [[Rod Rust]] accepted the head coaching position with the [[1992 New England Patriots|New England Patriots]]. Head coach Chuck Noll retained Woodson as a starting cornerback in 1990, opposite [[D. J. Johnson (cornerback, born 1966)|D.J. Johnson]].

On September 16, 1990, Woodson returned a punt from Oilers' punter [[Greg Montgomery]] for a 52-yard touchdown during a 20–9 victory against the [[1990 Houston Oilers|Houston Oilers]], marking the first punt return for a touchdown in his career.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Oilers - September 16th, 1990 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199009160pit.htm |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On December 6, 1990, the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly offered Woodson a three-year, $3 million contract extension. That contract would make Woodson the highest paid player in team history.<ref>{{cite web |title=Name in the News |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-12-06-sp-8121-story.html |access-date=September 19, 2018 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=December 9, 1990}}</ref> On December 20, 1990, it was announced that Woodson was selected to play in the [[1991 Pro Bowl]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Pro Bowl Rosters |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1990/12/20/pro-bowl-rosters-2/ |access-date=September 20, 2018 |newspaper=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |date=December 20, 1990}}</ref> Woodson started in all 16 games in [[1990 NFL season|1990]] and recorded 66 combined tackles and five interceptions. He was voted first-team All-Pro in 1990.<ref name="defense"/> Woodson had 35 kick returns for 764 return yards (21.8 YPR) and 38 punt returns for 398 return yards and a touchdown (10.4 YPR).

====1991====
Woodson and D.J. Johnson returned as the starting cornerback tandem in 1991.<ref>{{cite web |title=1991 Pittsburgh Steelers Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/1991_roster.htm |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Woodson was inactive for the Steelers' week 13 victory against the [[1991 Houston Oilers|Houston Oilers]] due to an injury. On November 28, 1991, Woodson recorded his first career solo sack on Cowboys' quarterback [[Steve Beuerlein]] in the Steelers' 20–10 loss to the [[1991 Dallas Cowboys|Dallas Cowboys]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Pittsburgh Steelers - November 28th, 1991 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199111280dal.htm |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On December 27, 1991, Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach [[Chuck Noll]] announced his decision to retire after the Steelers finished with a 7–9 record in 1991.<ref>{{cite web |title=Noll Retires After 23 Years |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1991/12/27/noll-retires-after-23-years/e0d7dafc-1803-4c92-b299-cac2d76d382b/ |access-date=September 20, 2018 |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |date=December 27, 1991}}</ref> He started in 15 games in [[1991 NFL season|1991]] and recorded 73 combined tackles, 3 interceptions, and a sack. He also returned 44 kicks for 880 return yards (22.0 YPR) and had 28 punt returns for 320-yards (11.4 YPR).<ref name="defense"/>

====1992====
On January 21, 1992, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced the hiring of former [[1991 Kansas City Chiefs|Kansas City Chiefs']] defensive coordinator [[Bill Cowher]] as their new head coach.<ref>{{cite news |title=SPORTS PEOPLE: FOOTBALL; Steelers Hire Cowher |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/01/21/sports/sports-people-football-steelers-hire-cowher.html |access-date=September 20, 2018 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=January 21, 1992}}</ref> On January 31, 1992, Cowher announced the hiring of former [[1991 New Orleans Saints|New Orleans Saints']] secondary coach [[Dom Capers]] as their new defensive coordinator.<ref>{{cite web |title=Around the NFL |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1992/01/31/around-the-nfl/b32f4e5c-0608-4d1b-b51a-dbc2238bdfbb/ |access-date=September 20, 2018 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=January 31, 1992}}</ref>

On May 19, 1992, it was reported that Woodson was one of nine NFL players to sue the National Football League for [[Free agent|unrestricted free agency]]. Other players included [[Steve Beuerlein]] [[1992 Dallas Cowboys|(Cowboys)]], [[Bobby Hebert]] [[1992 New Orleans Saints|(Saints)]], [[D. J. Dozier]] [[1992 Detroit Lions|(Lions)]], [[Scott Mitchell (quarterback)|Scott Mitchell]] [[1992 Miami Dolphins|(Dolphins)]], [[Jeff Dellenbach]] (Dolphins), [[Seth Joyner]] [[1992 Philadelphia Eagles|(Eagles)]], [[Clyde Simmons]] (Eagles), and [[Kevin Ross (American football)|Kevin Ross]] [[1992 Kansas City Chiefs|(Chiefs)]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Nine Players Sue for Free Agency |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-19-sp-166-story.html |access-date=September 19, 2018 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=May 19, 1992 }}</ref> Head coach Bill Cowher retained Woodson and D.J. Johnson as the starting cornerback tandem in 1992.<ref>{{cite web |title=1992 Pittsburgh Steelers Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/1992_roster.htm |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

He started in the [[1992 Pittsburgh Steelers|Pittsburgh Steelers']] season-opener against the [[1992 Houston Oilers|Houston Oilers]] and made two interceptions off pass attempts by Oilers' quarterback [[Warren Moon]] in their 29–24 victory.<ref>{{cite web |title=Houston Oilers at Pittsburgh Steelers - September 6th, 1992 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199209060oti.htm |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On October 25, 1992, Woodson returned a punt for an 80-yard touchdown as the Steelers defeated the [[1992 Kansas City Chiefs|Kansas City Chiefs]] 27–3.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers - October 25th, 1992 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199210250kan.htm |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On November 1, 1992, Woodson delivered a hit to Oilers' quarterback [[Warren Moon]] on a cornerback blitz during a 21–20 win against the Houston Oilers in week 8. The hit gave Moon a concussion and forced him to leave the game.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/11/04/sports/football-moon-passes-tests-after-concussion.html?n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fPeople%2fM%2fMoon%2c%20Warren | title=Moon Passes Tests After Concussion | newspaper=[[The New York Times]] | date=November 4, 1992}}</ref> In week 14, he made a career-high two sacks on Bears' quarterback [[Jim Harbaugh]] during a 30–6 loss to the [[1992 Chicago Bears|Chicago Bears]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Chicago Bears at Pittsburgh Steelers - December 13, 1992 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199212130chi.htm |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On December 24, 1992, it was announced that Woodson was selected to play in the [[1993 Pro Bowl]].<ref>{{cite web |title=PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : McDaniel, Wisniewski Make the AFC's Pro Bowl Team |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-12-24-sp-3421-story.html |access-date=September 20, 2018 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=December 24, 1992}}</ref> He started in all 16 games in [[1992 NFL season|1992]] and recorded 100 combined tackles, a career-high six sacks, and four interceptions.<ref name="defense"/>

====1993====
On March 1, 1993, the NFL implemented unrestricted free agency. Woodson received an $1.11 million settlement from the league after being one of 15 plaintiffs to sue the league in a class action antitrust lawsuit.<ref>{{cite web |title=1st NFL Free Agent Deal Sparks New Controversy |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1993/03/05/1st-nfl-free-agent-deal-sparks-new-controversy/f309960e-a3ed-45bb-8324-f9432fed1de4/ |access-date=September 20, 2018 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=March 5, 1993}}</ref>

Woodson and D.J. Johnson returned as the starting cornerback tandem for the fourth consecutive season and started alongside safeties [[Darren Perry]] and [[Carnell Lake]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1993 Pittsburgh Steelers Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/1993_roster.htm |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He started in the [[1993 Pittsburgh Steelers|Pittsburgh Steelers']] season-opener at the [[1993 San Francisco 49ers|San Francisco 49ers]] and intercepted two passes by quarterback [[Steve Young]] in their 24–13 victory.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers - September 6th, 1993 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199309050pit.htm |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

On September 18, 1993, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Woodson to a four-year, $12 million contract. The contract made Woodson the NFL's highest paid defensive back.<ref>{{cite web |title=PRO FOOTBALL/DAILY REPORT: AROUND THE NFL; Vikings Hire Court to Help Offense |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-09-18-sp-36326-story.html |access-date=September 19, 2018 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=September 18, 1993}}</ref> In week 4, he made two interceptions off passes by Falcons' quarterbacks [[Bobby Hebert]] and [[Billy Joe Tolliver]] during a 45–17 victory against the [[1993 Atlanta Falcons|Atlanta Falcons]]. On October 17, 1993, Woodson intercepted two passes by Saints' quarterback [[Wade Wilson (American football)|Wade Wilson]] and returned one for a 63-yard touchdown in the Steelers' 37–14 win against the [[1993 New Orleans Saints|New Orleans Saints]].<ref>{{cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Pittsburgh Steelers - October 17th, 1993 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199310170pit.htm |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Woodson started in all 16 games in [[1993 NFL season|1993]] and recorded 95 combined tackles, a career-high eight interceptions, two sacks, and a touchdown.<ref name="defense"/> He also made 15 kick returns for 294 return yards (19.6 YPR) and 42 punt returns for 338 return yards (8.0 YPR). He was also named [[NFL Defensive Player of the Year]].

====1994====
Woodson returned as the No. 1 starting cornerback in 1994, opposite [[Deon Figures]]. He played under defensive coordinator Dom Capers and assistant coaches [[Dick LeBeau]] and [[Marvin Lewis]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1994 Pittsburgh Steelers Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/1994_roster.htm |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On November 14, 1994, Woodson intercepted pass by Bills' quarterback [[Jim Kelly]] and returned it for a 37-yard touchdown in the first quarter of the Steelers' 23–10 win against the [[1994 Buffalo Bills|Buffalo Bills]] in week 11.<ref>{{cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers - November 14th, 1994 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199411140pit.htm |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Woodson started in 15 games in [[1994 NFL season|1994]] and recorded 67 tackles, four interceptions, three sacks, and a touchdown.<ref name="defense"/> He also made 15 kick returns for a total of 365 return yards (24.3 YPR) and 39 punt returns for 319 return yards (8.1 YPR).<ref>{{cite web |title=Pro Football Reference: Rod Woodson; Game Logs (1994) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WoodRo01/gamelog/1994/ |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

====1995====
On January 26, 1995, the Pittsburgh Steelers promoted defensive backs coach [[Dick LeBeau]] to defensive coordinator after [[Dom Capers]] accepted the head coaching position with the [[1995 Carolina Panthers|Carolina Panthers]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Steeler Coach is Promoted |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/01/26/sports/steeler-coach-is-promoted.html |access-date=September 20, 2018 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=January 26, 1995 }}</ref>

Woodson started as the No.1 cornerback to begin the 1995 regular season, alongside [[Willie Williams (cornerback, born 1970)|Willie Williams]]. On September 3, 1995, Woodson sustained a torn [[Anterior cruciate ligament|ACL]] 
when his foot got caught in the artificial turf at Three Rivers Stadium when he attempted to change direction and arm tackle [[1995 Detroit Lions|Detroit Lions']] running back [[Barry Sanders]] in the first quarter of the [[1995 Pittsburgh Steelers|Pittsburgh Steelers']] season-opening 23–20 victory against the [[1995 Detroit Lions|Detroit Lions]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Woodson earned his spot among elite |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4382642 |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=ESPN.com| date=August 7, 2009 }}</ref> Steelers' safety [[Carnell Lake]] replaced Woodson at cornerback during his injury hiatus.<ref>{{cite web |title=Carnell Lake was an unsung hero of Steelers 1990s defenses |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/article/carnell-lake-was-an-unsung-hero-of-steelers-1990s-defenses--44079769/ |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=247sports.com}}</ref> On September 11, 1995, Woodson underwent reconstructive surgery and had his ACL in his left knee replaced with a patella tendon from his right knee.<ref>{{cite web |title=Everybody in the NFL seems to think Rod Woodson is out for t |url=https://www.apnews.com/cf494a6412f6c22debe85406884cb40e |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=apnews.com |author=Robinson, Alan |date=September 21, 1995 |archive-date=September 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921034312/https://www.apnews.com/cf494a6412f6c22debe85406884cb40e |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The [[1995 Pittsburgh Steelers|Pittsburgh Steelers]] finished first in the [[AFC Central]] with an 11–5 record and earned a first round bye. They defeated the [[1995 Buffalo Bills|Buffalo Bills]] 40–21 in the AFC Divisional Round and defeated the [[1995 Indianapolis Colts|Indianapolis Colts]] 20–16 in the AFC Championship Game. On January 28, 1996, Woodson made his return from injury and played in [[Super Bowl XXX]] as the Steelers lost 27–17 to the [[1995 Dallas Cowboys|Dallas Cowboys]]. Woodson became the first player to return from reconstructive knee surgery in the same season and returned after only 19 weeks. Woodson was limited to 12 snaps in [[Super Bowl XXX]] and was primarily used on third down. During the game, he broke up a pass intended for [[Michael Irvin]] and immediately hopped up and pointed at his reconstructed knee.<ref>{{cite web  |title=SUPER BOWL XXX/ Cowboys 27, Steelers 17: SPOTLIGHT; KNEE? WHAT KNEE? |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-01-29-sp-30047-story.html |access-date=September 20, 2018 |newspaper=[[The Los Angeles Times]] |date=January 29, 1996 |author=Simers, T.J.}}</ref>

====1996====
On August 12, 1996, Woodson declined the Pittsburgh Steelers' three-year, $9 million contract extension offer and requested a long-term contract for four or five-years. They went on to offer Woodson a five-year, $10 million contract extension and a five-year, $13.5 million incentive-laden contract with a signing bonus of $500,000 included.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rod Woodson, Steelers' Longtime All-Pro Corner, Heads West |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/06/sports/rod-woodson-steelers-longtime-all-pro-corner-heads-west.html |access-date=September 19, 2018 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |author=George, Thomas|date=July 6, 1997 }}</ref> Woodson returned as the starting cornerback alongside Willie Williams, but was relieved of kick and punt return duties.<ref>{{cite web |title=1996 Pittsburgh Steelers Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/1996_roster.htm |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

He started in the [[1996 Pittsburgh Steelers|Pittsburgh Steelers']] season-opener at the [[1996 Jacksonville Jaguars|Jacksonville Jaguars]] and collected a season-high eight combined tackles and made an interception in their 24–9 loss. On September 8, 1996, Woodson recorded five combined tackles and returned an interception by Ravens' quarterback [[Vinny Testaverde]] 43 yards for a touchdown during a 31–17 win against the [[1996 Baltimore Ravens|Baltimore Ravens]] in week 2.<ref>{{cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers - September 8th, 1996 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199609080pit.htm |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In week 11, Woodson recorded five combined tackles and made a season-high two interceptions off pass attempts by Bengals' quarterback [[Jeff Blake]] during a 34–24 loss to the [[1996 Cincinnati Bengals|Cincinnati Bengals]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals - November 10th, 1996 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199611100cin.htm |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He started in all 16 games in [[1996 NFL season|1996]] and recorded 71 combined tackles, six interceptions, a touchdown, and a sack.<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL #26 Rod Woodson -ESPN (1996) |url=http://espn.com/nfl/playergamelog?playerId=37&season=1996&lang=EN |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=ESPN.com }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The Pittsburgh Steelers finished atop the AFC Central with a 10–6 record. On January 5, 1997, Woodson recorded seven combined tackles in his last appearance as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. They went on to lose 28–3 to the [[1996 New England Patriots|New England Patriots]] in the AFC Divisional Round.

====Free agency====
After the 1996 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers offered Woodson a four-year, $7.2 million contract with a signing bonus of $1 million. Woodson became an unrestricted free agent in 1997 after he was unable to agree to a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Woodson was plagued by injuries in 1996, including a strained [[Achilles tendon]], a sprained knee, and an injury to his back that substantially hurt his value on the free agent market. On April 19, 1997, Woodson declined a four-year, $7 million contract offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers hours before the 1997 NFL Draft. The Steelers subsequently drafted [[1996 Maryland Terrapins football|Maryland]] cornerback [[Chad Scott]] in the first round (24th overall) of the [[1997 NFL draft]] and ended negotiations with Woodson.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Silver |first=Michael |date=May 26, 1997 |title=Rod Woodson is bent on proving that his best NFL days aren't behind him |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1997/05/26/227568/gut-check-rod-woodson-is-bent-on-proving-that-his-best-nfl-days-arent-behind-him |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=SI.com |archive-date=September 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920045650/https://www.si.com/vault/1997/05/26/227568/gut-check-rod-woodson-is-bent-on-proving-that-his-best-nfl-days-arent-behind-him |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During the offseason, 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]]. The Cincinnati Bengals offered Woodson  a three-year contract reportedly worth between $1.5 million and $2 million per season.<ref name="Francisco"/>

===San Francisco 49ers===
====1997====
On July 17, 1997, the [[San Francisco 49ers]] signed Woodson to a three-year contract.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sports Brief |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/572598/Sports-briefs.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920045417/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/572598/Sports-briefs.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 20, 2018 |access-date=September 19, 2018 |newspaper=Deseret News |date=July 17, 1997}}</ref><ref name="Francisco">{{cite web |title=Woodson's headed to San Francisco |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/567899/Woodsons-headed-to-San-Francisco.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920011207/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/567899/Woodsons-headed-to-San-Francisco.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 20, 2018 |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=[[Deseret News]]}}</ref> Head coach [[Steve Mariucci]] named Woodson a starting cornerback on the 49ers' depth chart to begin the regular season, opposite [[Darnell Walker]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1997 San Francisco 49ers Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/1997_roster.htm |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On September 14, 1997, Woodson recorded two combined tackles, forced a fumble, and made a career-high three interceptions off passes by Saints' quarterback [[Danny Wuerffel]] during a 33–7 victory against the [[1997 New Orleans Saints|New Orleans Saints]] in week 2.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers - September 14th, 1997 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199709140sfo.htm |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In week 10, he collected a season-high eight combined tackles in the 49ers' 17–10 victory against the [[1997 Dallas Cowboys|Dallas Cowboys]]. He started in all 16 games in [[1997 NFL season|1997]] and recorded 46 combined tackles, three interceptions, and a forced fumble.<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL #26 Rod Woodson -ESPN (1997) |url=http://espn.com/nfl/playergamelog?playerId=37&season=1997&lang=EN |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=ESPN.com }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The San Francisco 49ers finished first in the [[NFC West]] with a 13–3 record and earned a first round bye. They defeated the [[1997 Minnesota Vikings|Minnesota Vikings]] 38–22 in the NFC Divisional Round. The following week, Woodson made four combined tackles as the 49ers were defeated by the [[1997 Green Bay Packers|Green Bay Packers]] 23–10. On February 9, 1998, the San Francisco 49ers cut Woodson and former Steelers' teammate [[Kevin Greene]] in an effort to free up salary cap space.<ref>{{cite web |title=49ers Cut Cost |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/49ers-cut-cost/ |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=cbsnews.com |date=February 9, 1998}}</ref>

===Baltimore Ravens===
====1998====
On February 21, 1998, the [[Baltimore Ravens]] signed Woodson to a three-year, [[United States dollar|$]]5.70 million contract that includes a [[signing bonus]] of $3 million.<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL Free Agency Flashback: Rod Woodson's 1998 Baltimore Ravens contract |url=https://frontofficenfl.com/2017/04/12/%EF%BB%BFnfl-free-agency-flashback-rod-woodsons-1998-baltimore-ravens-contract/ |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=frontofficenfl.com |archive-date=September 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920045403/https://frontofficenfl.com/2017/04/12/%EF%BB%BFnfl-free-agency-flashback-rod-woodsons-1998-baltimore-ravens-contract/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ravens Sign CB Woodson |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1998/02/21/ravens-sign-cb-woodson/2fecd452-a15d-42bb-ac54-cb658ec36a55/ |access-date=September 19, 2018 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=February 21, 1998}}</ref> Woodson was reunited with Ravens' defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis who was a linebacker coach for the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]].

Head coach [[Ted Marchibroda]] named Woodson a starting cornerback to begin the regular season, alongside [[Duane Starks]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1998 Baltimore Ravens Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rav/1998_roster.htm |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On September 4, 1998, it was reported that Woodson entered stage 1 of the league's substance abuse program after refusing to take a drug test the previous month. It was reported that Woodson became infuriated after he was randomly selected to take a drug test on two consecutive days. His refusal automatically counted as a failed test although he subsequently relented and passed the test the next day.<ref>{{cite news |title=PRO FOOTBALL; Woodson Of Ravens In Dispute On Testing |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/09/04/sports/pro-football-woodson-of-ravens-in-dispute-on-testing.html |access-date=September 20, 2018 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=September 4, 1998 |author=Freeman, Mike}}</ref>

On September 13, 1998, Woodson recorded a season-high 11 combined tackles, made two interceptions, and returned one for a touchdown during a 24–10 win at the [[1998 New York Jets|New York Jets]] in week 2. Woodson intercepted a pass by Jets'quarterback [[Glenn Foley]], that was intended for wide receiver [[Dedric Ward]], and returned it for a 60-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.<ref>{{cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at New York Jets - September 13th, 1998 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199809130nyj.htm |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On November 8, 1998, Woodson made five combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown during the Ravens' 13–10 win against the [[1998 Oakland Raiders|Oakland Raiders]]. Woodson intercepted a pass by Raiders' quarterback [[Donald Hollas]], that was intended for wide receiver [[Tim Brown (American football)|Tim Brown]], and returned it for an 18-yard touchdown in the first quarter.<ref>{{cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Baltimore Ravens - November 8th, 1998 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199811080rav.htm |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He started in all 16 games in [[1998 NFL season|1998]] and recorded 88 combined tackles, six interceptions, and two touchdowns.<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL #26 Rod Woodson -ESPN (1998) |url=http://espn.com/nfl/playergamelog?playerId=37&season=1998&lang=EN |access-date=September 20, 2018 |website=ESPN.com }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> On December 28, 1998, the Baltimore Ravens fired head coach Ted Marchibroda after the Ravens finished the season with a 6–10 record.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ravens Fire Marchibroda |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/raves-fire-marchibroda/ |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=cbsnews.com |date=December 28, 1998}}</ref>

====1999====
On January 19, 1999, the Baltimore Ravens hired former [[1998 Minnesota Vikings|Minnesota Vikings']] offensive coordinator [[Brian Billick]] as their new head coach.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ravens Hire Billick As New Coach |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ravens-hire-billick-as-new-coach/ |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=cbsnews.com |date=January 19, 1999}}</ref> Billick retained [[Marvin Lewis]] as the Baltimore Ravens' defensive coordinator and hired [[Mike Smith (American football coach)|Mike Smith]], [[Jack Del Rio]], and [[Rex Ryan]] as defensive position coaches. Defensive coordinator [[Marvin Lewis]] opted to move Woodson to free safety after the Baltimore Ravens drafted cornerback [[Chris McAlister]] in the first round (10th overall) of the [[1999 NFL draft]]. Woodson was named the starting free safety and was used to make checks in coverage and help stabilize a young secondary that also included cornerbacks Duane Starks and strong safety [[Kim Herring]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1999 Baltimore Ravens Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rav/1999_roster.htm |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Old Hand Still Steady |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2000-09-15/sports/0009150207_1_safety-jacksonville-jaguars-rod-woodson |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921191304/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2000-09-15/sports/0009150207_1_safety-jacksonville-jaguars-rod-woodson |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 21, 2018 |access-date=September 21, 2018 |newspaper=[[The Sun Sentinel]] |date=September 15, 2000}}</ref>

On November 7, 1999, Woodson recorded two combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown during a 41–9 win at the [[1999 Cleveland Browns|Cleveland Browns]]. Woodson intercepted a pass by Browns' backup quarterback [[Ty Detmer]] and returned it for a 66-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.<ref>{{cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns - November 7th, 1999 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199911070cle.htm |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In week 11, he made four combined tackles and made his 50th career interception off a pass by Bengals' quarterback [[Jeff Blake]] during a 34–31 victory at the [[1999 Cincinnati Bengals|Cincinnati Bengals]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals - November 22nd, 1999 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199911210cin.htm |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On December 5, 1999, Woodson made eight combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown in the Ravens' 41–14 win against the [[1999 Tennessee Titans|Tennessee Titans]]. Woodson intercepted a pass by Titans' quarterback [[Steve McNair]], that was intended for wide receiver [[Kevin Dyson]], and returned it for a 47-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens - December 5th, 1999 - December 5th, 1999 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199912050rav.htm |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In week 14, he collected a season-high nine combined tackles during a 31–24 win at the [[1999 Pittsburgh Steelers|Pittsburgh Steelers]]. He started in all 16 games in [[1999 NFL season|1999]] and recorded 66 combined tackles, seven interceptions, and two touchdowns.<ref name="defense"/>

====2000====
Woodson and Kim Herring returned as the starting safety tandem in 2000. Woodson became the veteran presence and a mentor to a young secondary. In week 6, he made three tackles and an interception during a 15–10 win at the [[2000 Jacksonville Jaguars|Jacksonville Jaguars]]. It became his third consecutive game with an interception. In week 17, he collected a season-high 11 combined tackles and forced a fumble in the Ravens' 34–20 win against the [[2000 New York Jets|New York Jets]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL #26 Rod Woodson -ESPN (2000) |url=http://espn.com/nfl/playergamelog?playerId=37&season=2000&lang=EN |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=ESPN.com }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> On December 14, 2000, Woodson was selected to the [[2001 Pro Bowl]], marking the 10th Pro Bowl selection of his career.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pro Bowl Rosters Announced |url=http://www.espn.com/abcsports/mnf/s/0001214probowl.html |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |date=December 14, 2000}}</ref> Woodson started in all 16 games in [[2000 NFL season|2000]] and recorded 74 combined tackles, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

The Baltimore Ravens finished second in the AFC Central with a 12–4 record and defeated the [[2000 Denver Broncos|Denver Broncos]] 21–3 in the AFC Wild Card Round. On January 7, 2001, Woodson recorded 11 combined tackles in the Ravens' 24–10 win at the [[2000 Tennessee Titans|Tennessee Titans]] in the AFC Divisional Round. The following week, the Ravens went on to defeat the [[2000 Oakland Raiders|Oakland Raiders]] 16–3 in the AFC Championship Game. On January 28, 2001, Woodson recorded six combined tackles as the Ravens defeated the [[2000 New York Giants|New York Giants]] 34–7 in [[Super Bowl XXXV]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Rod Woodson (2000) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/rodwoodson/2503799/gamelogs?season=2000 |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>

====2001====
On March 1, 2001, Woodson was one of seven players released by the Baltimore Ravens.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ravens release seven, including Sharpe, Woodson |url=http://a.espncdn.com/nfl/news/2002/0228/1342199.html |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=ESPNcdn.com |date=March 1, 2001}}</ref> He became an unrestricted free agent after the Baltimore Ravens declined an option to retain him.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ravens Re-Sign Rod Woodson |url=https://www.apnews.com/amp/36185af916f6dc928aaf890d23e99e97 |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=apnews.com |date=May 7, 2001 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> On May 7, 2001, the Baltimore Ravens signed Woodson to a five-year contract.<ref>{{cite web |title=Around the NFL: Five-year deal keeps Woodson with Ravens |url=https://chron.com/sports/texans/article/Around-the-NFL-Five-year-deal-keeps-Woodson-with-2050648.php |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=Chron.com|date=May 8, 2001 }}</ref> Head coach Brian Billick retained Woodson as the starting free safety. Woodson started alongside strong safety [[Corey Harris (American football, born 1969)|Corey Harris]] in 2001.

In week 4, he collected a season-high ten combined tackles and made an interception during a 26–7 win against the [[2001 Tennessee Titans|Tennessee Titans]]. On December 2, 2001, Woodson made two combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown in the Ravens' 39–27 win against the [[2001 Indianapolis Colts|Indianapolis Colts]] in week 12. Woodson intercepted a pass by Colts' quarterback [[Peyton Manning]], that was intended for wide receiver [[Marvin Harrison]], and returned it for a 47-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.<ref>{{cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens - December 7th, 2001 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200112020rav.htm |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He started in all 16 games in [[2001 NFL season|2001]] and recorded 74 combined tackles, three interceptions, forced a fumble, and scored a touchdown.<ref name="defense"/> The Baltimore Ravens finished second in their division with a 10–6 record, but were eliminated from the playoffs after a 27–10 loss at the [[2001 Pittsburgh Steelers|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.<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Rod Woodson (2001) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/rodwoodson/2503799/gamelogs?season=2001 |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>

On February 29, 2002, the Baltimore Ravens released Woodson in a salary cap related maneuver.

===Oakland Raiders===
On May 1, 2002, the [[Oakland Raiders]] signed Woodson to a six-year contract.<ref>{{cite news |title=PLUS: PRO FOOTBALL; Raiders sign Rod Woodson  |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/01/sports/plus-pro-football-raiders-sign-rod-woodson.html |access-date=September 19, 2018 |newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 2002 }}</ref> Head coach [[Bill Callahan (American football coach)|Bill Callahan]] named Woodson the starting free safety to begin the regular season, alongside strong safety [[Derrick Gibson]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2002 Oakland Raiders Starters, Roster, & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2002_roster.htm |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

On September 28, 2002, Woodson recorded four combined tackles, made a career-high three interceptions, and returned one for a touchdown in the Raiders' 52–25 win against the [[2002 Tennessee Titans|Tennessee Titans]]. He intercepted a pass by Titans' quarterback [[Steve McNair]], that was intended for tight end [[Frank Wycheck]], and returned it for an 82-yard touchdown in the third quarter.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tennessee Titans at Oakland Raiders - September 28th, 2002 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200209290rai.htm |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On November 11, 2002, Woodson recorded four combined tackles, deflected a pass, and returned an interception for the final touchdown of his career in the Raiders' 34–10 win at the [[2002 Denver Broncos|Denver Broncos]] in week 9. Woodson intercepted a pass by Broncos' quarterback [[Brian Griese]], that was originally intended for running back [[Clinton Portis]], and returned it for a 98-yard touchdown in the second quarter.<ref>{{cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos - November 11th, 2002 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200211110den.htm |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He started in all 16 games in [[2002 NFL season|2002]] and recorded 82 combined tackles (70 solo), a career-high eight interceptions, seven pass deflections, and two touchdowns.<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Rod Woodson (2002) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/rodwoodson/2503799/gamelogs?season=2002 |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> On January 2, 2002, it was announced that Woodson was selected to play in the [[2002 Pro Bowl]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2002 Pro Bowl Roster |url=https://www.upi.com/Pro-Bowl-roster/51921010004753/ |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=upi.com}}</ref>

The Oakland Raiders finished first in the [[AFC West]] with an 11–5 record and earned a first round bye. They reached [[Super Bowl XXXVII]] after defeating the [[2002 New York Jets|New York Jets]] 30–10 in the AFC Divisional Round and defeating the [[2002 Tennessee Titans|Tennessee Titans]] 41–24 in the AFC Championship Game. On January 26, 2003, Woodson recorded eight combined tackles and deflected a pass as the Raiders lost [[Super Bowl XXXVII]] 48–21 to the [[2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]].

====2003====
Woodson and Derrick Gibson returned as the starting safety duo in 2003. In week 3, he collected a season-high nine combined tackles during a 31–10 loss at the [[2003 Denver Broncos|Denver Broncos]]. On November 16, 2003, Woodson made five combined tackles, deflected two passes, and made the last interception of his career during a 28–18 win against the [[2003 Minnesota Vikings|Minnesota Vikings]]. His final interception came off a pass by Vikings' quarterback [[Daunte Culpepper]]. On November 26, 2003, the Oakland Raiders placed Woodson on injured reserve due to a chronic injury to his left knee. He underwent surgery the following month. Woodson finished the season with 51 combined tackles (40 solo), two interceptions, and a pass deflection in ten games and ten starts.<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Rod Woodson (2003) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/rodwoodson/2503799/gamelogs?season=2003 |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>

====2004====
On July 28, 2004, the Oakland Raiders released Woodson after he failed a physical after undergoing knee surgery.<ref>{{cite web |title=Raiders give Woodson boot |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2004/jul/28/raiders-give-woodson-boot/ |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=spokesman.com |date=July 28, 2004}}</ref>

===NFL records and accomplishments===
Woodson is among the NFL's all-time leaders in games played as a defensive back. In his 17 NFL seasons, Woodson recorded 71 interceptions, 1,483 interception return yards, 32 [[fumble]] recoveries (15 offensive and 17 defensive), 137 fumble return yards, 4,894 kickoff return yards, 2,362 punt return yards, and 17 [[touchdowns]] (12 interception returns, 1 fumble return, 2 kickoff returns, 2 punt returns). He holds the league record for interceptions returned for touchdown with 12, and is tied with 11 other players for the record for most fumble recoveries in a single game (3). His 1,483 interception return yards is the second most in NFL history ([[Ed Reed]] has 1,590 yards). His 32 fumble recoveries are a record among defensive players. His 71 interceptions rank third all time.

Woodson was named to the [[Pro Bowl]] 11 times, a record for his position. He was also the first player to earn trips to the Pro Bowl at cornerback, safety and [[kick returner]].<ref name=usa25>{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-06-21-no-22-woodson_N.htm | title=Woodson set new standard in backfield | access-date=September 23, 2008 | date=June 21, 2007 | work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> He was named 1993's [[NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award|NFL Defensive Player of the Year]] by the [[Associated Press]].  He was also a 7-time [[All-Pro]] selection. Woodson finished second to [[Darrell Green]] in the 1988 NFL Fastest Man Contest.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite news | url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1208/is_n22_v216/ai_14688205/pg_2 | title=The Intimidator | access-date=September 23, 2008 | author=Attner, Paul | date=November 29, 1993 | work=[[The Sporting News]]}}</ref>

In 1994, he was named to the [[National Football League 75th Anniversary All-Time Team|NFL's 75th Anniversary Team]], one of only five active players to be named to the team. The others were [[Jerry Rice]], [[Joe Montana]], [[Reggie White]] and [[Ronnie Lott]]. In [[1999 NFL season|1999]], he was ranked number 87 on ''[[The Sporting News]]''' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players. The ''College Football News'' also honored him as one of the 100 greatest players of the 20th century.

In 2007, he was ranked number 22 on ''[[USA Today]]'' list of the 25 best NFL players of the past 25 years.<ref name=usa25/>

On January 31, 2009, Woodson was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.<ref>[http://news.steelers.com/article/102746/ Hall of Fame: Woodson’s greatness went beyond stats] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204123022/http://news.steelers.com/article/102746/ |date=February 4, 2009 }}</ref> Woodson named his friend and business associate Tracy Foster as his presenter. Foster runs Woodson's car dealership in Pittsburgh.<ref>[http://www.profootballhof.com/enshrinement/2009/6/4/3288/ The Class of 2009 presenters]</ref>

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

The Raiders hired Woodson as their [[cornerbacks coach]] on February 14, 2011. He (along with most of [[Hue Jackson]]'s Raiders staff) was not retained following the 2011 season. On June 12, 2013, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that Woodson would be serving as an intern coach. On February 9, 2015, it was announced that Woodson would be returning to the Raiders as an assistant defensive backs coach under head coach [[Jack Del Rio]], defensive coordinator [[Ken Norton Jr.]] and defensive backs coach [[Marcus Robertson]]. On March 9, 2017, following Robertson's firing earlier that offseason, Woodson was promoted back to cornerbacks coach alongside new safeties coach [[Brent Vieselmeyer]]. Woodson was fired following the 2017 season, after [[Jon Gruden]] was hired as head coach.

On April 13, 2022, Woodson was announced as one of the eight head coaches for the 2023 season of the [[XFL (2020)|XFL]]. Later on, it was revealed that he would coach  the relocated [[Vegas Vipers]]. After a 2–8 season in 2023, the Vipers and Woodson agreed to part ways on June 11, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Florio |first=Mike |date=June 12, 2023 |title=Rod Woodson out as head coach of XFL's Vegas Vipers |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/06/11/rod-woodson-out-as-head-coach-of-xfls-vegas-vipers/ |access-date=June 12, 2023 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Head coaching record ==

=== XFL ===
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%; text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"|Team !! rowspan="2"|Year !! colspan="4"|Regular season !! colspan="4"|Postseason
|-
!Won!!Lost!!Win %!!Finish!! Won !! Lost !! Win % !! Result
|-<!-- !style="background:"-->
![[2023 Vegas Vipers season|LV]]||[[2023 XFL season|2023]]
|| 2 || 8 || {{winpct|2|8}}|| 4th XFL North || — || — || — || — 
|-
! colspan="2"|Total|| 2 || 8 || {{winpct|2|8}} || || — || — || — ||
|}

== NFL career statistics ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2"| Legend
|-
| style="background:#0ff; width:3em;"|
| [[NFL Defensive Player of the Year]]
|-
| style="background:#afe6ba; width:3em;"|
| Won the [[Super Bowl]]
|-
| style="background:#e0cef2; width:3em"|
| NFL record
|-
| style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"|
| Led the league
|-
| '''Bold'''
| Career high
|}

===Regular season===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! rowspan="2"| GP
! colspan="4"| Tackles
! colspan="4"| Interceptions
! colspan="4"| Fumbles
! colspan="5"| Punt Returns
! colspan="5"| Kickoff Returns
|-
! Comb !! Solo !! Ast !! Sack !! Int !! Yds !! TD !! PD !! FF !! FR !! Yds !! TD !! Ret !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Ret !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD
|-
! [[1987 NFL season|1987]] !! [[1987 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 8 || 20 || — || — || 0.0 || 1 || 45 || 1 || — || 0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 16 || 135 || 8.4 || 20 || 0 || 13 || 290 || 22.3 || 36 || 0
|-
! [[1988 NFL season|1988]] !! [[1988 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 16 || 88 || — || — || 0.5 || 4 || 98 || 0 || — || 1 || 3 || 2 || 0 || 33 || 281 || 8.5 || 28 || 0 || 37 || 850 || 23.0 || '''92'''|| style="background:#cfecec;" | '''1'''
|-
! [[1989 NFL season|1989]] !! [[1989 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 15 || 80 || — || — || 0.0 || 3 || 39 || 0 || — || '''4'''|| '''4'''|| 1 || 0 || 29 || 207 || 7.1 || 20 || 0 || 36 || '''982'''|| style="background:#cfecec;" | '''27.3''' || 84 || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''1'''
|-
! [[1990 NFL season|1990]] !! [[1990 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 16 || 66 || — || — || 0.0 || 5 || 67 || 0 || — || '''4'''|| 1 || 0 || 0 || 38 || '''398'''|| 10.5 || 52 || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''1''' || 35 || 764 || 21.8 || 49 || 0
|-
! [[1991 NFL season|1991]] !! [[1991 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 15 || 71 || — || — || 1.0 || 3 || 72 || 0 || — || 1 || 3 || 15 || 0 || 28 || 320 || '''11.4''' || 40 || 0 || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''44''' || 880 || 20.0 || 47 || 0
|-
! [[1992 NFL season|1992]] !! [[1992 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 16 || '''100''' || — || — || '''6.0''' || 4 || 90 || 0 || — || '''4'''|| 1 || 9 || 0 || 32 || 364 || '''11.4''' || '''80'''|| '''1''' || 25 || 469 || 18.8 || 32 || 0
|-
! style="background:#0ff;"|[[1993 NFL season|1993]] !! [[1993 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 16 || 95 || — || — || 2.0 || 8 || 138 || 1 || — || 2 || 1 || 0 || 0 || '''42'''|| 338 || 8.0 || 39 || 0 || 15 || 294 || 19.6 || 44 || 0
|-
! [[1994 NFL season|1994]] !! [[1994 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 15 || 83 || 67 || 16 || 3.0 || 4 || 109 || 2 || — || 3 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 39 || 319 || 8.2 || 42 || 0 || 15 || 365 || 24.3 || 54 || 0
|-
! [[1995 NFL season|1995]] !! [[1995 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 1 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 0.0 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —
|-
! [[1996 NFL season|1996]] !! [[1996 Pittsburgh Steelers season|PIT]]
| 16 || 67 || 57 || 10 || 1.0 || 6 || 121 || 1 || — || 0 || 3 || 42 || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''1''' || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —
|-
! [[1997 NFL season|1997]] !! [[1997 San Francisco 49ers season|SF]]
| 14 || 48 || 43 || 5 || 0.0 || 3 || 81 || 0 || — || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || — || — || — || — || —
|-
! [[1998 NFL season|1998]] !! [[1998 Baltimore Ravens season|BAL]]
| 16 || 88 || '''76''' || 12 || 0.0 || 6 || 108 || 2 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —
|-
! [[1999 NFL season|1999]] !! [[1999 Baltimore Ravens season|BAL]]
| 16 || 65 || 53 || 12 || 0.0 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 7 || 195 || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''2''' || '''18''' || 0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 0.0 || 7 || 0 || — || — || — || — || —
|-
! [[2000 NFL season|2000]] !! style="background:#afe6ba; width:3em;"|[[2000 Baltimore Ravens season|BAL]]
| 16 || 77 || 67 || 10 || 0.0 || 4 || 20 || 0 || 10 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —
|-
! [[2001 NFL season|2001]] !! [[2001 Baltimore Ravens season|BAL]]
| 16 || 76 || 56 || '''20''' || 0.0 || 3 || 57 || 1 || 12 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —
|-
! [[2002 NFL season|2002]] !! [[2002 Oakland Raiders season|OAK]]
| 16 || 82 || 70 || 12 || 0.0 || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''8''' || '''225''' || '''2''' || 16 || 0 || 3 || '''64'''|| 0 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —
|-
! [[2003 NFL season|2003]] !! [[2003 Oakland Raiders season|OAK]]
| 10 || 51 || 41 || 10 || 0.0 || 2 || 18 || 0 || 3 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || —
|-
! colspan="2"| Career !! 238 !! 1,158 !! 530 !! 108 !! 13.5 !! 71 !! 1,483 !! style="background:#e0cef2;"| 12 !! 59 !! 20 !! 32 !! 137 !! 1 !! 260 !! 2,362 !! 9.1 !! 80 !! 2 !! 220 !! 4,894 !! 22.2 !! 92 !! 2
|}

==Personal life==
Woodson was born in [[Fort Wayne, Indiana]] and was the youngest of three siblings, with whom he had close relationships. His father, the late James Woodson, was [[African American]], and his mother, Linda Jo Doerflein, was of [[Germans|German]] descent.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://start.att.net/exclusive/audience/undeniable|title=Undeniable With Dan Patrick|last=Woodson|first=Rod|date=February 6, 2019|work=AT&T Audience Network|issue=Season 6, episode 2}}</ref> 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]]. His parents married in 1960 and had three sons, Joe, Jamie, and Rod. Woodson was raised in a two-story home in a predominantly black neighborhood. His family experienced harassment through his youth due to their mixed-race.<ref>{{cite web |title=Never Back Down |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1992/09/07/127108/never-back-down-steeler-cornerback-rod-woodson-learned-that-lesson-early-in-life-and-it-pays-off-when-he-faces-the-top-receivers |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=si.com |author=Lieber, Jill |date=September 2, 1992 |archive-date=September 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919171808/https://www.si.com/vault/1992/09/07/127108/never-back-down-steeler-cornerback-rod-woodson-learned-that-lesson-early-in-life-and-it-pays-off-when-he-faces-the-top-receivers |url-status=dead }}</ref>

From 1994 until 2008 Woodson held an annual youth football camp and activities, the Rod Woodson Youth Week, on the grounds of his former high school. This week-long camp featured current and former NFL players mentoring kids on football skills and the importance of education. There was a cheer camp, basketball game, and concert. Woodson funded the majority of the week that also provided academic awards for camp goers and saw hundreds of kids throughout its existence. Woodson was also an outspoken [[Christians|Christian]].

Woodson used to split his time between NFL Network studios in Los Angeles, his home in Pleasanton, and a cottage in [[Coldwater, Michigan]]. He was also part of the studio team for [[BBC Sport]]'s NFL coverage in 2007, including [[Super Bowl XLII]] and [[Super Bowl XLIII]]. In February 2011, he accepted the role as the defensive backs coach of the NFL's Oakland Raiders (his former team).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfluk.com/news-display.php?id=2854 |title=BBC announce studio team |access-date=September 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714180558/http://www.nfluk.com/news-display.php?id=2854 |archive-date=July 14, 2011 }}</ref>

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

Woodson resides in [[Pleasanton, California]] with his wife, Nikki, whom he married in 1992. The couple have five children; two sons and three daughters.<ref>{{cite web |title=Where Are They Now?-Rod Woodson |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-sp.wherenowtop21sep21-story.html |access-date=September 19, 2018 |newspaper=Baltimore Sun|date=September 21, 2007 }}</ref>

===Incidents===
On April 25, 1988, it was reported that Woodson was one of three men arrested for stealing $70 in a tip jar from McCaw's restaurant-bar in [[West Lafayette, Indiana]]. Charges were not filed.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rod Woodson Arrested |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-108537D6C9FD578C.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919171705/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-108537D6C9FD578C.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 19, 2018 |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=highbeam.com}}</ref>

On September 23, 1988, Woodson and teammate [[Delton Hall]] were involved in a bar fight with another man in [[Moon Township, Pennsylvania]]. Police were called to Sessions Bar at 2:34AM due to a fight involving Woodson, Hall, and a man identified as Derrick Wilson. Hall stated the fight began over criticism about football. The rear window of Wilson's vehicle was broken during the altercation, but Woodson agreed to pay for damages. On September 29, 1988, the Pittsburgh Steelers stated both players had been privately reprimanded for their involvement.<ref>{{cite web |title=Two Steelers Reprimanded after last week's bar brawl |url=https://dks.library.kent.edu/cgi-bin/kentstate?a=d&d=dks19880929-01.2.55 |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=dks.library.kent.edu}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=For the Record |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1988/09/29/for-the-record/5a2ef641-fb37-46a6-8aea-ed88935f50dd/ |access-date=September 19, 2018 |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |date=September 29, 1988}}</ref>

On June 13, 1989, Woodson was charged with misdemeanor battery on a police officer after an altercation outside of a bar in [[Fort Wayne, Indiana]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Name in the News |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-13-sp-2185-story.html |access-date=September 19, 2018 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=June 13, 1989}}</ref>

On May 19, 1992, Woodson was arrested in his hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana for battery due to an altercation with his brother, Jamie Woodson. On March 24, 1993, Woodson was found not guilty of battery by a jury.<ref>{{cite web |title=Miscellany |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-03-24-sp-14543-story.html |access-date=September 19, 2018 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=March 24, 1993}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [http://www.raiders.com/team/coaches/rod-woodson/bee3956c-4976-46d6-8531-c70af2a4fd4b Oakland Raiders profile]{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* {{IMDb name|1711883|name=Rod Woodson}}

{{Navboxes
| title = Rod Woodson—awards, championships, and honors
| list1 =
{{Mr. Football USA}}
{{1986 NCAA Division I-A College Football Consensus All-Americans}}
{{1987 NFL Draft}}
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{{NFL DPOYs}}
{{Super Bowl XXXV}}
{{NFL season interception leaders}}
{{NFL1990s}}
{{NFL75}}
{{NFL100}}
{{Pittsburgh Steelers}}
{{Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team}}
{{Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor}}
{{2009 Football HOF}}
{{Pro Football Hall of Fame members}}
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{{NFL Total Access}}

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