5 Defining Moments of Charles Woodson's Hall of Fame Career
By Evan Chronis | May 18, 2021 | Pro Football Hall of Fame
No wide receiver wanted to line up against Charles Woodson. From his tight coverage to his ball-hawking abilities, Woodson's prolific career landed him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2021.
Before he takes the Enshrinement stage in August, we’ve selected the five moments that best tell the story of his journey to Canton.
5. A Special Homecoming in Detroit
WHEN: November 26, 2009
FINAL SCORE: Green Bay Packers 34, Detroit Lions 12
Charles Woodson will always mean something to the state of Michigan. Woodson first came onto the national scene when he won the 1997 Heisman Trophy as a member of the Michigan Wolverines and the fans never lost their affection for him.
It just so happens that one of Woodson’s greatest individual performances came in Michigan. On Thanksgiving Day 2009, Woodson became the first player in NFL history to record two interceptions, a fumble recovery and a sack in a single game and helped propel the Packers to the holiday victory.
4. Ties NFL Scoring Record
WHEN: October 6, 2013
FINAL SCORE: Oakland Raiders 27, San Diego Chargers 17
Charles Woodson was always a threat to score.
In a 2013 matchup with the San Diego Chargers, Woodson returned a Danny Woodhead fumble 25 yards to the endzone to tally his 13th career defensive score — tying the all-time league record. Woodson joined Rod Woodson and Darren Sharper as the only defensive players to amass 13 scores during their careers.
Woodson is also tied for 5th all-time in non-offensive touchdowns in NFL history, which also includes punt and kickoff return scores.
3. Welcome to the 50/20 Club
WHEN: November 20, 2014
FINAL SCORE: Oakland Raiders 24, Kansas City Chiefs 20
You’ll often hear about a player joining a statistical club, but very few times do they create their own.
Woodson did just that in Week 12 of the 2014-15 season. With a sack of Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith, Woodson recorded the 50th sack of his NFL career. The mark was impressive on its own, but it also made Woodson the first player in NFL history to record 50 sacks and 20 interceptions in a career.
2. A Long-Awaited Super Bowl Title
WHEN: February 6, 2011
FINAL SCORE: Green Bay Packers 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 25
Super Bowl rings are not often as valued for defensive players, but there are few higher markers for success than winning the game’s ultimate prize.
After falling short in the 2003 Super Bowl with the Raiders, Woodson got a second shot at the Lombardi Trophy with the Packers in 2011.
Woodson was a Pro Bowler that season and helped lead Green Bay to a meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2011 Super Bowl. Unfortunately for Woodson, he broke his collarbone with less than two minutes remaining before halftime.
But, the injury didn’t stop Woodson from leading his team to victory. Woodson gave a motivational speech to the Packers in the locker room at halftime that several players cited as one of the reasons they etched out the 31-25 win.
1. Defensive Player of the Year Honors
WHEN: 2009 Season
You can’t ask for a better season than the one Woodson had in 2009.
The year before he earned his first and only Super Bowl victory, Woodson collected the highest individual award possible — Defensive Player of the Year.
Woodson was immaculate during his entire 2009 campaign, recording 74 total tackles, nine interceptions, three interceptions returns for a touchdown, 18 passes defended, four forced fumbles and two sacks.
If one season can define a Hall of Fame career for a player, Woodson’s would be 2009.
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Official Ticket Packages for 2021 Enshrinement Week Powered by Johnson Controls are on sale now and included Enshrinement Ceremony access, exclusive parties, interactive experiences and much more.
