5 Moments that Defined Charles Woodson's Hall of Fame Career

 

Charles Woodson became one of the most feared defensive backs in NFL history. From his tight and frustrating coverage to his knack for producing turnovers, Woodson’s prolific career has 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. Historic Homecoming in Detroit

WHEN: November 26, 2009

FINAL SCORE: Green Bay Packers 34, Detroit Lions 12

Woodson will always mean something to the state of Michigan. He burst 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.

One of Woodson’s greatest individual performances came in Michigan. On Thanksgiving Day 2009, he 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

Woodson was always a threat to score.

In a 2013 matchup with the San Diego Chargers, he returned a Danny Woodhead fumble 25 yards to the end zone to tally his 13^th 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 finished his career tied for fifth all time in non-offensive touchdowns, a figure that punt and kickoff returns for scores.

3. Creates 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 rarely do they create their own.

Woodson did just that in Week 12 of the 2014 season. A sack of Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith was the 20^th of Woodson’s NFL career. The mark was impressive on its own, but it also made him the first player in NFL history to record 50 interceptions and 20 sacks in a career.

2. Wins Super Bowl

WHEN: February 6, 2011

FINAL SCORE: Green Bay Packers 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 25

There are few higher markers for success than winning the game’s ultimate prize: a Super Bowl ring.

After falling short of winning the Super Bowl with the Raiders following the 2002 seasons, Woodson got a second shot at the Lombardi Trophy with the Packers nearly a decade later.

Woodson was a Pro Bowler in the 2010 season and helped lead Green Bay to a meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. Unfortunately for Woodson, he broke his collarbone with less than two minutes remaining before halftime.

The injury didn’t stop Woodson from leading his team, however. He 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. Wins Defensive Player of Year Award

WHEN: 2009 Season

You won’t find many better seasons than the one Woodson produced in 2009.

The year before he earned his only Super Bowl victory, Woodson collected the highest individual award possible for his position: AP Defensive Player of the Year.

Woodson was immaculate during his entire 2009 campaign, recording 74 total tackles, nine interceptions, three interception returns for touchdowns, 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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