Steelers Throwback Thursday: Rod Woodson lands in Pittsburgh’s NFL draft lap
Steel City Underground takes fans back in time to feature events, special moments, and historical times and players in the world of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Steelers Nation. Join us as we revisit these moments in our “Steelers Throwback Thursday” series.
The NFL Draft is always an exciting, highly-anticipated affair as all NFL teams use a little psychology and a lot of strategy in finalizing their prospect evaluation by selecting young, collegiate football stars they feel will improve their professional franchises.
In this Steelers throwback, we look at the tenth overall pick in the 1987 NFL Draft: Rod Woodson.
Before the draft
Purdue University offered Woodson a full scholarship to play on their football team, although he was also a decorated track and field athlete as well. Primarily, Woodson played cornerback for the Boilermakers and return kicks, but he did see some time at both running back and receiver with the team.
Woodson’s athleticism led to him becoming an All-American defensive back in 1985 and 1986. In 1986, he was also named an All-American returner on top of being a three-time All-Big Ten first team selection.
Setting 13 individual records at Purdue put his name on many an NFL draft board. Woodson tied the university’s interception record with 11 career picks, for 276 yards and three touchdowns.
NFL Combine results
| Hgt | Wt | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Vertical jump | Broad jump |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
202 lb (92 kg) |
4.29 | 1.51 | 3.98 | 36.0 in (0.91 m) | 10 ft 5 in (3.18 m) |
The Steelers wanted to rebuild their defensive secondary, and Woodson was on the radar, but then Pittsburgh head coach Chuck Noll felt strongly that Woodson would not be available as late as the No. 10 pick. Noll had Tony Dungy drop Woodson from the team’s scouting report.
The draft
The possibility of Woodson landing in Pittsburgh was a bit of a fluke. When the Cleveland Browns traded the San Diego Chargers for the No. 5 pick, though, they grabbed linebacker Mike Junkin. The St. Louis Cardinals then zigged and selected Kelly Stouffer, a guy that never played for them due to contractual issues. The Buffalo Bills needed a corner, but opted to select Shane Conlan at No. 8.
This is one reason why the NFL Draft is always so unpredictable. Teams shuffling their boards always have the potential for someone they like to fall right into their laps.
Boom! Pick No. 9 was made, the Steelers were on the clock, and Woodson was there to scoop up with that No. 10 pick.
A pro in Pittsburgh
Woodson wasn’t at his rookie training camp in 1987, however. In a 95-day negotiation surrounding his contract, Woodson – a world-class high hurdler – ran track in European circuits, grabbing a bronze medal at the ’87 USA Olympic festival, and numerous medals in IAAF Grand Prix meets.
It wasn’t until October 28, 1987, that Woodson and the Steelers came to terms on a four-year, $1.8 million contract that included a $700,000 signing bonus.
Woodson, now enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, made his professional debut in the NFL on November 8 in a regular-season victory game over the Kansas City Chiefs. On the 22nd of that month, Woodson earned his first career interception with the Steelers off of a Boomer Esiason throw and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown in a 30-16 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Woodson was named the Steelers’ starting cornerback opposite Dwayne Woodruff the following season.
