5 Steelers who went onto win a Super Bowl elsewhere
By Brendan Howe
Rod Woodson
It would be difficult to argue that Rod Woodson was undeserving of a Lombardi, but did it really have to be with Pittsburgh’s archrival?
After a decorated decade as a leader on the Steelers’ defense and a one-year layover in San Francisco, Woodson landed in Baltimore’s nest in 1998. The Ravens, toddlers in terms of NFL eldership, were pleased to employ the five-time first-team All-Pro as their secondary’s spearhead.
It was a year later that Woodson, then 34 years old, converted to safety and, considering he followed up by tying the league’s lead in interceptions, the transition went as smoothly as it possibly could have.
One of three Pro Bowlers on Baltimore’s unyielding defensive unit, Woodson started all 20 games on the back end in 2000. He racked up 77 combined tackles and 4 interceptions at an age where most speed players would be applying for their league pensions.
Under the veteran direction of Woodson and franchise cornerstone Ray Lewis, the Ravens marched to Tampa and Super Bowl XXXV with thundering footsteps, battering the New York Giants, 34-7.
No longer able to afford him, Baltimore waived the aging Woodson following the 2001 campaign. He’d ink a contract with Oakland and again tie for the league lead in picks while reaching Super Bowl XXXVII.
While unable to win a title in black and gold, Woodson was named by the Associated Press as the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1993. His 71 career interceptions are the third-most in league lore.