Class of 2021 Highlight: Charles Woodson
By Evan Chronis | February 15, 2021 | Pro Football Hall of Fame
Longtime Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson has been named as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2021.
Woodson first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2021 along with Peyton Manning and Calvin Johnson.
Charles Woodson Career Bio
Charles Woodson entered the NFL with one of the most decorated resumes of any collegiate defensive player.
In 1997, his final year at the University of Michigan, Woodson became the first primary defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy after leading the Wolverines to an undefeated season and a share of the National Championship. Coincidentally, Woodson beat out fellow Class of 2021 nominee Peyton Manning to win the Heisman.
The highly touted defensive back was selected with the No.4 pick in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.
Woodson would spend eight successful seasons with the Raiders, winning the 1998 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and being an integral part of Oakland’s three playoff runs from 2000-2002. One of the most memorable moments of Woodson’s career in Oakland was his involvement in the “Tuck Rule” play against the Patriots in the 2001 AFC Divisional matchup. Woodson was the one who hit Tom Brady on the controversial play that is still discussed to this day.
In the 2006 off-season, Woodson signed a seven-year, $52.7 million contract with the Green Bay Packers. He immediately became a factor in the Packers secondary and would go on to lead the NFL in interceptions for the 2009 and 2011 seasons. That 2011 season resulted in the first and only Super Bowl championship of Woodson’s career, as Green Bay defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-25.
Woodson’s stint in Green Bay ended in 2013, leaving room for a reunion in Oakland with his former team. He finished out the last three years of his career with the Raiders before retiring following the 2015-16 season.
Charles Woodson Accolades & Accomplishments
- 2011 Super Bowl Champion
- 4-Time First-Team All-Pro
- 9-Time Pro Bowl Selection
- 1998 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
- 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
- 2-Time NFL Interceptions Leader
- 2000s NFL All-Decade Team Member
- 65 Career Interceptions
More Class of 2021 Highlights
Get Your Ticket Package for 2021 Enshrinement Week
Official Ticket Packages for 2021 Enshrinement Week Powered by Johnson Controls are now available through HOF Experiences.
Packages include access to the Hall of Fame, meet-and-greets with Hall of Famers, VIP parties and more!
