Charles Woodson

American college football cornerback and safety who became the first primarily defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy in 1997 at Michigan.

Born in Fremont, Ohio in 1976, Charles Cameron Woodson emerged from a modest background to become one of football's most versatile and accomplished players. He starred at Ross High School before committing to the University of Michigan, where he would redefine what it meant to be a defensive player in college football. Woodson's college career reached unprecedented heights during Michigan's 1997 championship season. Playing primarily cornerback while also contributing as a wide receiver and return specialist, he became the first and only primarily defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy, defeating Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning in one of the award's most controversial votes. His signature moment came against Ohio State, when his interception and 78-yard return helped secure Michigan's victory in their championship run. The Wolverines shared the national title with Nebraska that season. Woodson also claimed the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back and earned consensus All-American honors. The Oakland Raiders selected Woodson fourth overall in the 1998 NFL Draft, launching a professional career that spanned an remarkable 18 seasons. After seven years with Oakland, he joined the Green Bay Packers in 2006, where he experienced his greatest NFL success. In 2009, he became the second defensive back to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and helped lead the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV following the 2010 season. He returned to Oakland for his final seven seasons, retiring after 2015. His career totals include nine Pro Bowl selections, 65 interceptions, and the distinction of being the only player to record interceptions in three different decades. Woodson's legacy transcends statistics. He revolutionized perceptions of defensive players' versatility and remains the only defensive player to capture the Heisman Trophy. His combination of college and professional excellence established him as one of football's most complete players.

Versatile defensive back who excelled in coverage, run support, and as a return specialist with exceptional athleticism and football IQ

Revolutionized the perception of defensive players in college football and remains the only primarily defensive Heisman winner

• Heisman Trophy (1997)
• National Championship (1997)
• Consensus All-American
• Jim Thorpe Award