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Charles Woodson

Charles Woodson is an American former professional football player best known for his 18-season NFL career with the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Charles Woodson is an American former professional football player best known for his 18-season NFL career with the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers. A defensive back, he is the only primarily defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

Early life and college career

Woodson grew up in Fremont, Ohio, and played college football for the Michigan Wolverines from 1995 to 1997. In 1997, he won the Heisman Trophy and helped Michigan capture a national championship share.

NFL career

Woodson was drafted fourth overall by the Oakland Raiders in 1998 and later joined the Green Bay Packers. Over 18 seasons, he became one of the most decorated defensive backs of his era, including nine Pro Bowl selections and multiple All-Pro honours.

Achievements and records

Woodson finished his NFL career with 65 interceptions, 183 passes defended, and 13 defensive touchdowns. He also became the first player in league history to record at least 50 interceptions and 20 sacks.

Honours and legacy

Woodson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021. He is widely noted for being the only primarily defensive Heisman Trophy winner.

Key facts

  • Woodson played 18 seasons in the NFL, splitting his career between the Raiders and Packers.
  • He won the Heisman Trophy in 1997 and remains the only primarily defensive player to receive the award.
  • He was selected fourth overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 1998 NFL Draft.
  • Woodson won Super Bowl XLV with Green Bay and played in Super Bowl XXXVII with Oakland.
  • He was named AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2009 and AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1998.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Charles Woodson?
Charles Woodson is a former American football defensive back who played 18 NFL seasons for the Raiders and Packers.
Why is Charles Woodson famous?
He is famous for winning the 1997 Heisman Trophy as a primarily defensive player and for his long, highly decorated NFL career.
Which teams did Charles Woodson play for?
He played for the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers in the NFL.
Did Charles Woodson win a Super Bowl?
Yes. He won Super Bowl XLV with the Green Bay Packers.
When was Charles Woodson inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
He was inducted in 2021.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Woodson
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, NFL career overview, teams, and position.
  2. Las Vegas Raiders — https://www.raiders.com/history/charles-woodson
    Supports: Career achievements, statistical records, awards, and Hall of Fame status.
  3. College Football Hall of Fame — https://footballfoundation.org/hof_search.aspx?hof=2429
    Supports: College career, birthplace, and Hall of Fame induction.
  4. Heisman Trophy — https://www.heisman.com/heisman-winners/charles-woodson/
    Supports: Heisman win and status as the only primarily defensive Heisman winner.
  5. Green Bay Packers — https://www.packers.com/history/hof/charles-woodson
    Supports: NFL career details, awards, Pro Bowl selections, and Pro Football Hall of Fame induction.
  6. Michigan Wolverines — https://mgoblue.com/sports/football/roster/charles-woodson/14501
    Supports: College position, hometown, and Michigan roster information.