Rod Woodson, Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback and safety, marks birthday on March 10

Rod Woodson, born on March 10, 1965, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, gained recognition during his time at Snider High School, where he excelled in football and track. He continued his athletic career at Purdue University, starting for four years and earning All-American honors. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Woodson in the first round of the 1987 NFL Draft. He spent a decade with the Steelers before playing for the San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, and Oakland Raiders, completing a 17-season professional career. Woodson was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1993 and appeared in 11 Pro Bowls. He recorded 71 interceptions, returning 12 for touchdowns, and holds the NFL record for interception return yardage with 1,483 yards. In 2001, he won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens. After retiring from playing, Woodson transitioned into coaching and broadcasting. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009, his first year of eligibility. Woodson’s roots remain in Fort Wayne, where he grew up and has participated in community events. This week, the city commemorates his birthday, celebrating his legacy as one of the greatest defensive backs in NFL history, a career that began and was shaped in Indiana.