Charles Woodson is inarguably one of the best defensive backs in NFL history. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021 after 18 incredible seasons in the league. Woodson was also one of the greatest college football players ever, winning the 1997 Heisman Trophy Award.
But where does Woodson rank among the best athletes outside of just the NFL? ESPN recently put together a list of the top 100 athletes of the 21st century and of course, Woodson appeared on the list. Here is what the site had to say about the superstar defensive back:
Woodson’s career was a three-act play. In Oakland, as a Heisman Trophy-winning No. 4 pick, he was a hard-partying, hard-playing Hall of Fame talent. In Green Bay, he became a Hall of Famer.
And with his return to the Raiders, he became a legend, making the switch from wild youngster at cornerback to sage vet at free safety. And if he lost a step, it was one precious few others ever had. “It was a beautiful transition,” Woodson said, “if you will.”
Woodson came in at No. 100 on the list, but you can certainly make a case that he should be higher. He was arguably the best defensive back in the nation for nearly two decades and his steady play year-over-year made him one of the most reliable athletes in sports.