Pro Football Hall of Fame: Rod Woodson
August 8, 2009 by David Kindervater
Filed under Pro Football HOF
Rod Woodson did it all during his college career at Purdue. He played running back and wide receiver on offense, played cornerback and safety on defense, and returned punts and kickoffs. As a result, it was no surprise when the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted the modern-day “triple threat” star in the first round of the 1987 NFL Draft.
Rod Woodson, Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 / Photo: Newscom
Then-Steelers head coach Chuck Noll acknowledged Rod’s versatility by playing him at cornerback and as a kick returner, but Rod was too valuable to risk playing on both offense and defense. Rod responded by earning Pro Bowl honors in just his third season. It wasn’t, however, until coach Noll’s successor, Bill Cowher, took over that Rod really blossomed. In 1992 Rod was second on the team with 100 tackles and six sacks. The next season he had eight interceptions, 28 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, two quarterback sacks, blocked a field goal attempt and recorded a team high 79 solo tackles. For his effort he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Rod is a member of the 1990s All-Decade Team and was named to the Pro Bowl 11 times, an NFL record for a defensive back. In 1994, he was one of only five active players to be named to the NFL’ s 75th Anniversary Team.
Rod spoke boldly of his faith in God and spent the better part of his enshrinement speech thanking all the individuals who sacrificed themselves to put him in the Hall of Fame. And he wasn’t kidding. Rod’s would end up being the longest of all the acceptance speeches this night.
Interestingly, Rod also spoke about biracial relationships and about being “judged by the color of your skin and not the content of your character” based on his own experiences:
“Society wants us to choose what we are so many times. Are you black? Are you white? Are you democrat? Are you republican? But remember one thing: God made us all of one blood and one spirit. You people who have mixed marriages, tell your kids they do not have to choose what side they’re on. We always want to choose but we don’t have to. God made you what you are. Remember that.”
