MVP Profile: Charles Woodson, 2009

Cornerback, Green Bay Packers

Age: 33 (Oct. 7)

12^th season in pro football, 4^th with Packers

College: Michigan

Height: 6’1”    Weight: 202

Prelude:

A versatile college performer who won the Heisman Trophy as a primarily defensive player, Woodson was taken by the Oakland Raiders in the first round of the 1998 NFL draft and moved quickly into the starting lineup. His impact was immediate as he intercepted 5 passes as a rookie and was chosen to the Pro Bowl for the first of four straight seasons. Outstanding in all facets of the cornerback position, Woodson also was a consensus first-team All-Pro in 1999. Injuries began to become an issue, however, and he missed time during each of the next four years as a result while also drawing criticism for inconsistent play despite his great ability. Joining the Packers as a free agent in 2006, he revived his career, intercepting 8 passes, and he was once again a Pro Bowl selection in ’08 despite playing with a broken toe.

2009 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – 2

Most sacks, game – 1 vs. Dallas 11/15, at Detroit 11/26

Interceptions – 9 [1, tied with Jairus Byrd, Asante Samuel & Darren Sharper]

Most interceptions, game – 2 vs. Cincinnati 9/20, at Detroit 11/26

Int. return yards – 179 [3]

Most int. return yards, game – 59 (on 2 int.) vs. Cincinnati 9/20

Int. TDs – 3 [1, tied with many others]

Fumble recoveries – 1

Forced fumbles – 4

Tackles – 65

Assists – 8

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 2

Yards – 30

Average per return – 15.0

TDs – 0

Longest return – 18 yards

Punt Returns

Returns – 1

Yards – 0

TDs – 0

Scoring

TDs – 3

Points – 18

Postseason: 1 G (NFC Wild Card playoff at Arizona)

Sacks – 0

Interceptions – 0

Forced Fumbles – 1

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: AP

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, Sporting News

Pro Bowl

Packers went 11-5 to finish second in the NFC North and qualify for the postseason as a Wild Card while leading the NFL in rushing defense (1333 yards) and interceptions (30). Lost Wild Card playoff to Arizona Cardinals (51-45).

Aftermath:

Woodson had Pro Bowl seasons in 2010 and ’11, again leading the NFL in interceptions in the latter year with 7. To date, he has intercepted 54 passes, returning 11 of them for touchdowns, and has been a consensus first-team All-Pro three times and selected to eight Pro Bowls.

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MVP Profiles feature players who were named MVP or Player of the Year in the NFL, AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, Maxwell Club – Bert Bell Award, or the league itself). Also includes Associated Press NFL Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.

[Updated 2/7/14]