NFL Power Rankings: 30 Greatest Defensive Players Of All-Time
By Robby Sabo
13. Rod Woodson, DB
- Pittsburgh Steelers (1987-96), San Francisco 49ers (1997), Baltimore Ravens (1998-2001), Oakland Raiders (2002-03)
- 1993 Defensive POY / 2000 Super Bowl Champion / 6-Time 1st Team All-Pro
If you’d like to discuss versatility, then Rod Woodson is your man. Despite starting as a cornerback, Woodson moved to safety midway through his career.
Hey, do you need anymore evidence than this: Woodson was named to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary team in 1994 as one of the safeties while still an active player in the league.
In 1993 he won the Defensive Player of the Year. His career stat-line is absurd. First of all he’s first all-time with 32 fumble recoveries. Furthermore, he collected 71 interceptions which ranks third all-time and ran back four kick/punt returns for touchdowns.
His savvy for knowing where the play was going to happen rivals anybody we’ve ever watched.
Coming to Baltimore turned out to be the ingredient that put that 2000 Ravens defense over the top.
Next: Number 12