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Wesley Woodyard

Wesley Woodyard Jr. (born July 21, 1986) is a former American football linebacker. He played college football for the University of Kentucky and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Denver Broncos in 2008. Woodyard has also played for the Tennessee Titans.

Wesley Woodyard
Woodyard with the Tennessee Titans in 2018
No. 52, 59
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1986-07-21) July 21, 1986 (age 37)
LaGrange, Georgia, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:233 lb (106 kg)
Career information
High school:LaGrange (GA)
College:Kentucky
Undrafted:2008
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

High school career Edit

Woodyard was born in LaGrange, Georgia and attended LaGrange High School. He was named the Georgia Class AAA Defensive Player of the Year by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and was first-team all-state as a senior by the Georgia Sportswriters Association and the Journal-Constitution. As a four-year letterman and two-year starter at outside linebacker, the team posted a 51–3 record during his three seasons, winning a pair of state championships.

College career Edit

As a freshman in 2004, Woodyard played in the first 10 games, and midway through the season, he switched from strong safety to inside linebacker. Woodyard recorded 34 tackles for the season and was selected for the Freshman All-SEC Team by SEC coaches. As a sophomore in 2005, he started all 11 games at linebacker. For the season, Woodyard recorded 100 tackles, seven for-a-loss, and four fumble recoveries. He was named second-team Sophomore All-American and All-SEC honorable mention.

As a junior in 2006, Woodyard started all 13 games at linebacker, leading the team with 122 tackles and tackles-for-loss with 9.5. For the season, he earned Defensive MVP honors in the Music City Bowl. As a senior in 2007, Woodyard started all 13 games at linebacker, leading the team with 139 tackles. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

Professional career Edit

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump
6 ft 0+38 in
(1.84 m)
227 lb
(103 kg)
34+58 in
(0.88 m)
9+34 in
(0.25 m)
4.51 s 1.52 s 2.58 s 4.25 s 7.15 s 30 in
(0.76 m)
9 ft 10 in
(3.00 m)
All values are from NFL Combine[1][2]

Denver Broncos Edit

On April 29, 2008, the Denver Broncos signed Woodyard to a three-year, $1.17 million contract that included a $20,000 signing bonus after he went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft.[3][4]

2008 season: Rookie year Edit

Throughout training camp, Woodyard competed for a job as an outside linebacker against Boss Bailey, Nate Webster, Jamie Winborn, Louis Green, Jordan Beck, and Spencer Larsen.[5] Head coach Mike Shanahan named Woodyard the backup weakside linebacker behind D. J. Williams to start the regular season.

Woodyard made his NFL debut in the season-opener at the Oakland Raiders and recorded a solo tackle during the 41–14 victory. On November 6, 2008, Woodyard earned his first NFL start in place of D. J. Williams who sustained a knee injury.[6] He finished the 34–30 victory at the Cleveland Browns with a season-high ten combined tackles. On December 31, 2008, the Denver Broncos fired Mike Shanahan after the Broncos finished with an 8–8 record and did not qualify for the playoffs.[7] Woodyard finished his rookie season with 55 combined tackles (47 solo) and a pass deflection in 16 games and six starts.[8]

2009 season Edit

The Broncos new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan opted to convert to a base 3-4 defense, using four linebackers instead of three. Woodyard competed against Mario Haggan, Braxton Kelley, and Lee Robinson for a roster spot as a backup inside linebacker.[9] Head coach Josh McDaniels named Woodyard the backup inside linebacker behind D. J. Williams and Andra Davis to start the regular season.[10] On September 10, Woodyard was named the special teams captain by his teammates for the 2009 season.[11]

On September 13, Woodyard recorded three combined tackles, broke up a pass, and intercepted a pass by quarterback Carson Palmer as the Broncos won 12–7 at the Cincinnati Bengals.[12] In Week 9, he collected a season-high eight combined tackles during a 28–10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.[13] Woodyard finished his second NFL season with 44 combined tackles (32 solo), two pass deflections, and an interception in 16 games and 16 starts.[8]

2010 season Edit

Throughout training camp, Woodyard competed for a job as a backup inside linebacker against Akin Ayodele, Joe Mays, and Nick Greisen.[14] Josh McDaniels named him the backup inside linebacker behind D. J. Williams and Joe Mays.[15]

Woodyard was a healthy scratch for the Broncos' Week 2 victory against the Seattle Seahawks. On September 20, Woodyard was featured in a press conference held by the Broncos after their wide receiver Kenny McKinley committed suicide the day prior.[16] He was inactive for their Week 4 victory at the Tennessee Titans after sustaining a hamstring injury.[17] Woodyard also missed three consecutive games (Weeks 6–8) after he aggravated his hamstring injury.[18] On November 14, 2010, Woodyard earned his first career start and recorded two solo tackles during a 49–29 win against the Kansas City Chiefs. On December 6, the Broncos fired McDaniels after they lost at the Kansas City Chiefs and fell to a 3–9 record.[19] In Week 16, he made his second NFL start and collected a season-high nine combined tackles in the Broncos' 24–23 win against the Houston Texans. The following week, Woodyard recorded five solo tackles and made his first NFL sack on quarterback Philip Rivers during the Broncos' 33–28 loss to the San Diego Chargers.[20] Woodyard finished the 2010 season with 37 combined tackles (33 solo) and one sack in 11 games and three starts.[21]

2011 season Edit

On July 29, 2011, the Broncos signed Woodyard to a one-year, $1.85 million contract.[3] He was voted as the special teams captain for the third consecutive year. Woodyard competed against D. J. Williams, Lee Robinson, and Braxton Kelley for the role as the starting weakside linebacker. He was moved to outside linebacker after new Broncos' defensive coordinator Don Martindale opted to switch to a base 4-3 defense. Head coach John Fox named Woodyard the starting weakside linebacker to start the regular season after D. J. Williams suffered a dislocated elbow and was projected to miss 3-4 games.[22]

On September 18, 2011, Woodyard recorded a season-high 13 combined tackles (ten solo) and broke up a pass during their 24–22 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. The following week, he collected a ten combined tackles (seven solo) during a 17–14 loss at the Tennessee Titans. He was demoted back to backup outside linebacker after Williams returned from injury in Week 5. Woodyard missed the Broncos' Week 10 victory at the Kansas City Chiefs after he sustained a shoulder injury the previous week. He finished the 2011 season with 97 combined tackles (67 solo) and two pass deflections in 15 games and seven starts.

2012 season Edit

 
Woodyard in 2012

On May 19, 2012, the Denver Broncos signed Woodyard to a two-year, $3.5 million contract.[23] Woodyard entered training camp slated as the starting weakside linebacker after D. J. Williams was suspended for six games for failing a test for performance-enhancing drugs.[24] He faced minor competition from Danny Trevathan, Cyril Obiozor, and Mike Mohamed.[25]

Woodyard started the Broncos' season-opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers and recorded a career-high 12 solo tackles and sacked Ben Roethlisberger during their 31–19 victory. On October 28, 2012, Woodyard collected a season-high 13 combined tackles (nine solo), two pass deflections, a sack, and intercepted a pass by Drew Brees during the Broncos' 34–14 win against the New Orleans Saints.[26] The following week, Woodyard recorded a season-high 14 combined tackles (four solo) in the Broncos' 31–23 win at the Cincinnati Bengals. Woodyard was inactive for the Broncos' Week 14 victory at the Oakland Raiders due to an ankle injury he sustained the previous game.[27] In Week 16, he collected eight combined tackles and a season-high 1.5 sacks as Denver defeated the Cleveland Browns 34–12.[28] He finished the 2012 season with a career-high 117 combined tackles (73 solo), six pass deflections, 5.5 sacks, and a career-high three interceptions in 15 games and 14 starts.[8]

The Broncos finished the 2012 season atop the AFC West with a 13–3 record, clinching a playoff berth and first-round bye. On January 12, 2013, Woodyard started in his first NFL playoff game and recorded seven solo tackles in the Broncos' 38–35 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional round.

2013 season Edit

Woodyard entered training camp slated as the starting weakside linebacker. On August 20, 2013, starting strongside linebacker Von Miller was suspended for the first six games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.[29] Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio shifted middle linebacker Nate Irving to Miller's strongside linebacker position and had Woodyard take over as the middle linebacker. Head coach John Fox officially named Woodyard the starting middle linebacker to start the regular season, along with outside linebackers Nate Irving and Danny Trevathan.[30]

Woodyard suffered a neck injury during the Broncos' Week 5 win at the Dallas Cowboys and was unable to play in the next two games (Weeks 6–7).[31] On November 24, 2013, Woodyard recorded a season-high 15 combined tackles (seven solo) during a 34–31 loss at the New England Patriots. The following week, he collected five solo tackles, broke up a pass, and intercepted a pass by Alex Smith during their 35–28 victory at the Kansas City Chiefs. After a string of poor performances, Woodyard was benched in favor of veteran Paris Lenon for the last four games of the season.[32] He finished the 2013 season with 84 combined tackles (48 solo), four pass deflections, 1.5 sacks, and an interception in 14 games and ten starts.[8] The Broncos selected him for the team's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for 2013.[33]

The Broncos finished atop the AFC West with a 13–3 record, clinching a first-round and home-field advantage. They went on to Super Bowl XLVIII after they defeated the San Diego Chargers in the AFC Divisional Round and the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship. On February 2, 2014, Woodyard made three combined tackles as the Broncos were routed 43–8 to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII.[34]

2014 season Edit

Woodyard became an unrestricted free agent in 2014 and attended visits with the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans, while also receiving interest from the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens. He stated that his original intent was to stay with the Broncos, but Woodyard did not receive a contract offer from them.[35]

Tennessee Titans Edit

On March 14, 2014, the Tennessee Titans signed Woodyard to a four-year, $15.75 million contract that included $4.75 million guaranteed and a $3 million signing bonus.[3][36]

2014 season Edit

Head coach Ken Whisenhunt named Woodyard the starting left inside linebacker opposite Zaviar Gooden and along with outside linebackers Kamerion Wimbley and Derrick Morgan.[37]

Woodyard made his Titans debut in their season-opener at the Kansas City Chiefs and recorded five solo tackles and sacked Alex Smith during a 26–10 victory. On September 27, 2014, Woodyard recorded a season-high nine combined tackles, broke up two passes, and intercepted a pass by Andrew Luck during their 41–17 loss at the Indianapolis Colts. He finished the 2014 season with 94 combined tackles (53 solo), three pass deflections, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions in 16 games and starts.[8]

2015 season Edit

Throughout training camp, Woodyard competed against Avery Williamson, Zach Brown, and Zaviar Gooden for a job as the starting inside linebacker.[38] Head coach Ken Whisenhunt named Woodyard the backup inside linebacker behind Avery Williamson and Zach Brown to start the regular season.[39]

During Week 2, Woodyard made two solo tackles, sacked quarterback Johnny Manziel, and forced a fumble in a 28–14 loss at the Cleveland Browns.[40] He was promoted to the starting lineup ahead of Zach Brown prior to the Titans' Week 4 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.[41] On October 18, 2015, Woodyard recorded a season-high ten combined tackles (eight solo) and sacked quarterback Ryan Tannehill during a 38–10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. On November 4, 2015, the Titans fired head coach Ken Whisenhunt after they fell to a 1–6 record. Tight ends coach Mike Mularkey was named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.[42] Woodyard finished the 2015 season with 87 combined tackles (54 solo) and five sacks in 16 games and 14 starts.[8]

2016 season Edit

Woodyard entered training camp slated as the starting left inside linebacker after Zach Brown departed for the Buffalo Bills in free agency. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau named Woodyard the starting inside linebacker with Avery Williamson and outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan.[43]

During Week 12, Woodyard recorded five solo tackles, a career-high three pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Jay Cutler during a 27–21 victory at the Chicago Bears. On January 1, 2017, he collected a season-high six combined tackles in a 24–17 victory against the Houston Texans.[44] He finished the season with 57 combined tackles (42 solo), five pass deflections, two sacks, and an interception in 16 games and ten starts.[8] He shared time with Sean Spence who started the other six games in place of Woodyard.

2017 season Edit

On March 15, 2017, the Titans signed Woodyard to a three-year, $10.5 million extension that includes $2 million guaranteed.[3][45]

Head coach Mike Mularkey named Woodyard the starting inside linebacker after Sean Spence departed for the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. During Week 9, he recorded a season-high 14 combined tackles (nine solo) and broke up a pass in a narrow 23–20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. During Week 15, he collected ten combined tackles (seven solo) and a sack in a 25–23 road loss against the San Francisco 49ers.[46]

Woodyard finished the 2017 season with a career-high 124 combined tackles (84 solo), five pass deflections, and five sacks in 16 games and starts.[8] Pro Football Focus gave Woodyard an overall grade of 78.6, which gave him the 28th highest grade among all qualified linebackers in 2017.[47]

2018 season Edit

During a 34–10 Week 10 victory over the New England Patriots, Woodyard registered 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks. This effort earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[48]

Woodyard finished the 2018 season with 113 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and a fumble recovery in 14 games and starts.

2019 season Edit

 
Woodyard in 2019

During Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Woodyard recorded six tackles and a forced fumble in the 23–20 win. Woodyard's forced fumble occurred late in the fourth quarter when he stripped the football from Melvin Gordon on the goal line and teammate Jurrell Casey made the recovery.[49]

Woodyard's role decreased in 2019 due to the emergence of second-year linebackers Rashaan Evans and Harold Landry. He finished the season with 42 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a pass deflection in 15 games and two starts.

NFL career statistics Edit

Regular season Edit

Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck FF FR Yds TD Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD
2008 DEN 16 6 55 47 8 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1
2009 DEN 16 0 46 38 8 0.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 2
2010 DEN 11 3 24 20 4 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2011 DEN 15 7 90 60 30 0.0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 2
2012 DEN 15 14 114 70 44 5.5 1 1 12 0 3 40 13.3 25 0 6
2013 DEN 14 10 91 52 39 1.5 3 0 0 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 4
2014 TEN 16 16 94 53 41 2.5 0 0 0 0 2 20 10.0 13 0 3
2015 TEN 16 12 84 51 33 5.0 1 1 3 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2016 TEN 16 10 53 39 14 2.0 0 0 0 0 1 21 21.0 21 0 5
2017 TEN 16 16 121 81 40 5.0 0 2 4 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 5
2018 TEN 14 14 113 69 44 4.5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 2
2019 TEN 15 2 42 25 17 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1
Career 180 110 951 627 324 28.0 8 5 19 2 8 81 14.7 25 0 31

Postseason Edit

Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck FF FR Yds TD Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD
2011 DEN 2 0 1 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2012 DEN 1 1 7 7 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2013 DEN 3 0 7 4 3 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2017 TEN 2 2 16 8 8 0.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2019 TEN 3 0 11 10 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
Career 11 3 42 30 12 0.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0

Personal life Edit

Woodyard is a Christian.[50][51] He and his wife, Veronica,[52] have four kids.

In September 2016, Woodyard was part of a viral video. Woodyard, decked out in full uniform, picked up a young boy encouraging the Titans prior to the team's game against the Detroit Lions and carried him a few steps. The video has spread across social media and it was shown on NFL Network soon after. Regarding his kind gesture, Woodyard told Titans Online: "I have a son, and it just touched my heart, seeing the kid there. That’s the thing about this game of football, it allows us to bring each other together. It doesn’t matter about the skin color, race, or anything, money. We are all the same, we all enjoy Sundays, and to me that was special, seeing the kid in the tunnel.”

References Edit

  1. ^ "2008 NFL Draft Scout Wesley Woodyard College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  2. ^ "Wesley Woodyard 2008 NFL Draft Profile". insider.espn.com. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d "Spotrac.com: Wesley Woodyard contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  4. ^ "2009 Denver Broncos - Breaking Down the Roster - The Linebackers". milehighreport.com. July 25, 2009. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  5. ^ "2008 Denver Broncos – Training Camp Preview – Defense". broncotalk.net. July 26, 2008. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  6. ^ Turner, Jamie (November 4, 2008). "Broncos' Roster Breakdown". cleveland.com. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  7. ^ "Broncos fire Shanahan after 14 seasons as head coach". ESPN.com. December 31, 2008. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h "NFL Player stats: Wesley Woodyard (career)". NFL.com. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  9. ^ Bedinger, Sayre (June 1, 2009). "Denver Broncos Linebacker Wesley Woodyard "Bulking Up" For New Role". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  10. ^ "Ourlads.com: Denver Broncos' Depth Chart: 09/06/2009". Ourlads.com. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  11. ^ Bedinger, Sayre (September 10, 2009). "Denver Broncos Name Seven Team Captains For 2009 Season". BleacherReport.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  12. ^ "NFL Game Center: Week 1-2008: Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals". NFL.com. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  13. ^ "NFL Player stats: Wesley Woodyard (2009)". NFL.com. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  14. ^ Stapleton, Arnie (August 25, 2010). "Broncos feel better about themselves". chieftain.com. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  15. ^ "Ourlads.com: Denver Broncos' Depth Chart: 09/05/2010". Ourlads.com. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  16. ^ Stapleton, Arnie (September 21, 2010). "Detectives: McKinley spoke of suicide". sandiegouniontribune.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  17. ^ Jones, Lindsay (October 1, 2010). "Special teams unit hurt by injuries". blogs.denverpost.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  18. ^ "NFL: Broncos dealing with more injuries". staugustine.com. October 12, 2010. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  19. ^ Klis, Mike (December 6, 2010). "McDaniels fired as Broncos coach after controversy, losses pile up". Denverpost.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  20. ^ "NFL Player stats: Wesley Woodyard (career)". NFL.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  21. ^ "NFL Player stats: Wesley Woodyard (career)". NFL.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  22. ^ Klis, Mike (August 27, 2011). "D.J. Williams out 3-4 Weeks with a dislocated elbow". blogs.denverpost.com.
  23. ^ Silva, Evan (March 19, 2012). "Broncos keep Wesley Woodyard on two-year deal". NBCSports.com. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
  24. ^ Ingold, John (July 11, 2012). "Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams flunked second doping test, court documents say". blogs.denverpost.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  25. ^ Everett, Tyler (July 28, 2012). "Woodyard, Mays leading the charge". denverbroncos.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  26. ^ "NFL Game Center: Week 8-2012: New Orleans Saints @ Denver Broncos". NFL.com. Retrieved March 20, 2017.
  27. ^ Crabtree, Curtis. "Richard Seymour, Wesley Woodyard out for Thursday night". profootballtalk.nbcsports.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  28. ^ "NFL Player stats: Wesley Woodyard (2012)". NFL.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  29. ^ Rosenthal, Greg (August 20, 2013). "Von Miller suspended six games by NFL". NFL.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  30. ^ "Ourlads.com: Denver Broncos Depth Chart: 09/05/2013". Ourlads.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  31. ^ Mello, Igor (October 6, 2013). "Wesley Woodyard dealing with shoulder injury". cbssports.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  32. ^ Jones, Lindsay (December 11, 2013). "Inconsistent Broncos defense searches for right mix". usatoday.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  33. ^ Zaas, Stuart (November 27, 2013). "Woodyard Named Broncos' Walter Payton Man of the Year". DenverBroncos.com. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
  34. ^ "NFL Player stats: Wesley Woodyard (2013)". NFL.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  35. ^ Klis, Mike (April 27, 2014). "Eric Decker visiting with New York Jets as free-agent receiver". DenverPost.com. Retrieved March 20, 2017.
  36. ^ "Wesley Woodyard, Tennessee Titans sign $16M deal". NFL.com.
  37. ^ "Ourlads.com: Tennessee Titans Depth Chart: 10/01/2014". Ourlads.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  38. ^ "Projected 2015 starters: Tennessee Titans". NFL.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  39. ^ "Ourlads.com: Tennessee Titans Depth Chart: 09/01/2015". Ourlads.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  40. ^ "NFL Game Center: Week 2-2015: Tennessee Titans @ Cleveland Browns". NFL.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  41. ^ Glennon, John (October 15, 2015). "Titans' Zach Brown disappointed by demotion". tennessean.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  42. ^ Kuharsky, Paul (March 4, 2015). "Titans fire coach Ken Whisenhunt". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  43. ^ "Ourlads.com: Tennessee Titans Depth Chart: 09/01/2016". Ourlads.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  44. ^ "NFL Player stats: Wesley Woodyard (2016)". NFL.com. Retrieved March 20, 2016.
  45. ^ Alper, Josh (March 15, 2017). "Wesley Woodyard cuts 2017 pay, adds two years to deal". ProFootballTalk.NBCSports.com.
  46. ^ "NFL Player stats: Wesley Woodyard (2017)". NFL.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  47. ^ "Pro Football Focus: Wesley Woodyard". ProFootballFocus.com. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  48. ^ Wyatt, Jim (November 14, 2018). "Titans LB Wesley Woodyard Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week". TitansOnline.com. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
  49. ^ "Casey recovers fumble, Titans hold off Chargers' rally 23-20". www.espn.com. October 20, 2019. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  50. ^ "Whitehead: How I met my fiance, Wesley Woodyard".
  51. ^ "Wesley Woodyard". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021.
  52. ^ "wooddro52". Archived from the original on December 24, 2021.

External links Edit

  • Tennessee Titans bio
  • Denver Broncos bio
  • Kentucky Wildcats bio

wesley, woodyard, born, july, 1986, former, american, football, linebacker, played, college, football, university, kentucky, signed, undrafted, free, agent, denver, broncos, 2008, woodyard, also, played, tennessee, titans, woodyard, with, tennessee, titans, 20. Wesley Woodyard Jr born July 21 1986 is a former American football linebacker He played college football for the University of Kentucky and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Denver Broncos in 2008 Woodyard has also played for the Tennessee Titans Wesley WoodyardWoodyard with the Tennessee Titans in 2018No 52 59Position LinebackerPersonal informationBorn 1986 07 21 July 21 1986 age 37 LaGrange Georgia U S Height 6 ft 0 in 1 83 m Weight 233 lb 106 kg Career informationHigh school LaGrange GA College KentuckyUndrafted 2008Career historyDenver Broncos 2008 2013 Tennessee Titans 2014 2019 Career highlights and awards2 First team All SEC 2006 2007 Career NFL statisticsTotal tackles 943Sacks 28 0Pass deflections 31Interceptions 8Forced fumbles 7Defensive touchdowns 2Player stats at NFL com PFR Contents 1 High school career 2 College career 3 Professional career 3 1 Denver Broncos 3 1 1 2008 season Rookie year 3 1 2 2009 season 3 1 3 2010 season 3 1 4 2011 season 3 1 5 2012 season 3 1 6 2013 season 3 1 7 2014 season 3 2 Tennessee Titans 3 2 1 2014 season 3 2 2 2015 season 3 2 3 2016 season 3 2 4 2017 season 3 2 5 2018 season 3 2 6 2019 season 4 NFL career statistics 4 1 Regular season 4 2 Postseason 5 Personal life 6 References 7 External linksHigh school career EditWoodyard was born in LaGrange Georgia and attended LaGrange High School He was named the Georgia Class AAA Defensive Player of the Year by the Atlanta Journal Constitution and was first team all state as a senior by the Georgia Sportswriters Association and the Journal Constitution As a four year letterman and two year starter at outside linebacker the team posted a 51 3 record during his three seasons winning a pair of state championships College career EditAs a freshman in 2004 Woodyard played in the first 10 games and midway through the season he switched from strong safety to inside linebacker Woodyard recorded 34 tackles for the season and was selected for the Freshman All SEC Team by SEC coaches As a sophomore in 2005 he started all 11 games at linebacker For the season Woodyard recorded 100 tackles seven for a loss and four fumble recoveries He was named second team Sophomore All American and All SEC honorable mention As a junior in 2006 Woodyard started all 13 games at linebacker leading the team with 122 tackles and tackles for loss with 9 5 For the season he earned Defensive MVP honors in the Music City Bowl As a senior in 2007 Woodyard started all 13 games at linebacker leading the team with 139 tackles He is a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity Professional career EditPre draft measurables Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40 yard dash 10 yard split 20 yard split 20 yard shuttle Three cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump6 ft 0 3 8 in 1 84 m 227 lb 103 kg 34 5 8 in 0 88 m 9 3 4 in 0 25 m 4 51 s 1 52 s 2 58 s 4 25 s 7 15 s 30 in 0 76 m 9 ft 10 in 3 00 m All values are from NFL Combine 1 2 Denver Broncos Edit On April 29 2008 the Denver Broncos signed Woodyard to a three year 1 17 million contract that included a 20 000 signing bonus after he went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft 3 4 2008 season Rookie year Edit Throughout training camp Woodyard competed for a job as an outside linebacker against Boss Bailey Nate Webster Jamie Winborn Louis Green Jordan Beck and Spencer Larsen 5 Head coach Mike Shanahan named Woodyard the backup weakside linebacker behind D J Williams to start the regular season Woodyard made his NFL debut in the season opener at the Oakland Raiders and recorded a solo tackle during the 41 14 victory On November 6 2008 Woodyard earned his first NFL start in place of D J Williams who sustained a knee injury 6 He finished the 34 30 victory at the Cleveland Browns with a season high ten combined tackles On December 31 2008 the Denver Broncos fired Mike Shanahan after the Broncos finished with an 8 8 record and did not qualify for the playoffs 7 Woodyard finished his rookie season with 55 combined tackles 47 solo and a pass deflection in 16 games and six starts 8 2009 season Edit The Broncos new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan opted to convert to a base 3 4 defense using four linebackers instead of three Woodyard competed against Mario Haggan Braxton Kelley and Lee Robinson for a roster spot as a backup inside linebacker 9 Head coach Josh McDaniels named Woodyard the backup inside linebacker behind D J Williams and Andra Davis to start the regular season 10 On September 10 Woodyard was named the special teams captain by his teammates for the 2009 season 11 On September 13 Woodyard recorded three combined tackles broke up a pass and intercepted a pass by quarterback Carson Palmer as the Broncos won 12 7 at the Cincinnati Bengals 12 In Week 9 he collected a season high eight combined tackles during a 28 10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers 13 Woodyard finished his second NFL season with 44 combined tackles 32 solo two pass deflections and an interception in 16 games and 16 starts 8 2010 season Edit Throughout training camp Woodyard competed for a job as a backup inside linebacker against Akin Ayodele Joe Mays and Nick Greisen 14 Josh McDaniels named him the backup inside linebacker behind D J Williams and Joe Mays 15 Woodyard was a healthy scratch for the Broncos Week 2 victory against the Seattle Seahawks On September 20 Woodyard was featured in a press conference held by the Broncos after their wide receiver Kenny McKinley committed suicide the day prior 16 He was inactive for their Week 4 victory at the Tennessee Titans after sustaining a hamstring injury 17 Woodyard also missed three consecutive games Weeks 6 8 after he aggravated his hamstring injury 18 On November 14 2010 Woodyard earned his first career start and recorded two solo tackles during a 49 29 win against the Kansas City Chiefs On December 6 the Broncos fired McDaniels after they lost at the Kansas City Chiefs and fell to a 3 9 record 19 In Week 16 he made his second NFL start and collected a season high nine combined tackles in the Broncos 24 23 win against the Houston Texans The following week Woodyard recorded five solo tackles and made his first NFL sack on quarterback Philip Rivers during the Broncos 33 28 loss to the San Diego Chargers 20 Woodyard finished the 2010 season with 37 combined tackles 33 solo and one sack in 11 games and three starts 21 2011 season Edit On July 29 2011 the Broncos signed Woodyard to a one year 1 85 million contract 3 He was voted as the special teams captain for the third consecutive year Woodyard competed against D J Williams Lee Robinson and Braxton Kelley for the role as the starting weakside linebacker He was moved to outside linebacker after new Broncos defensive coordinator Don Martindale opted to switch to a base 4 3 defense Head coach John Fox named Woodyard the starting weakside linebacker to start the regular season after D J Williams suffered a dislocated elbow and was projected to miss 3 4 games 22 On September 18 2011 Woodyard recorded a season high 13 combined tackles ten solo and broke up a pass during their 24 22 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals The following week he collected a ten combined tackles seven solo during a 17 14 loss at the Tennessee Titans He was demoted back to backup outside linebacker after Williams returned from injury in Week 5 Woodyard missed the Broncos Week 10 victory at the Kansas City Chiefs after he sustained a shoulder injury the previous week He finished the 2011 season with 97 combined tackles 67 solo and two pass deflections in 15 games and seven starts 2012 season Edit nbsp Woodyard in 2012On May 19 2012 the Denver Broncos signed Woodyard to a two year 3 5 million contract 23 Woodyard entered training camp slated as the starting weakside linebacker after D J Williams was suspended for six games for failing a test for performance enhancing drugs 24 He faced minor competition from Danny Trevathan Cyril Obiozor and Mike Mohamed 25 Woodyard started the Broncos season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers and recorded a career high 12 solo tackles and sacked Ben Roethlisberger during their 31 19 victory On October 28 2012 Woodyard collected a season high 13 combined tackles nine solo two pass deflections a sack and intercepted a pass by Drew Brees during the Broncos 34 14 win against the New Orleans Saints 26 The following week Woodyard recorded a season high 14 combined tackles four solo in the Broncos 31 23 win at the Cincinnati Bengals Woodyard was inactive for the Broncos Week 14 victory at the Oakland Raiders due to an ankle injury he sustained the previous game 27 In Week 16 he collected eight combined tackles and a season high 1 5 sacks as Denver defeated the Cleveland Browns 34 12 28 He finished the 2012 season with a career high 117 combined tackles 73 solo six pass deflections 5 5 sacks and a career high three interceptions in 15 games and 14 starts 8 The Broncos finished the 2012 season atop the AFC West with a 13 3 record clinching a playoff berth and first round bye On January 12 2013 Woodyard started in his first NFL playoff game and recorded seven solo tackles in the Broncos 38 35 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional round 2013 season Edit Woodyard entered training camp slated as the starting weakside linebacker On August 20 2013 starting strongside linebacker Von Miller was suspended for the first six games for violating the league s substance abuse policy 29 Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio shifted middle linebacker Nate Irving to Miller s strongside linebacker position and had Woodyard take over as the middle linebacker Head coach John Fox officially named Woodyard the starting middle linebacker to start the regular season along with outside linebackers Nate Irving and Danny Trevathan 30 Woodyard suffered a neck injury during the Broncos Week 5 win at the Dallas Cowboys and was unable to play in the next two games Weeks 6 7 31 On November 24 2013 Woodyard recorded a season high 15 combined tackles seven solo during a 34 31 loss at the New England Patriots The following week he collected five solo tackles broke up a pass and intercepted a pass by Alex Smith during their 35 28 victory at the Kansas City Chiefs After a string of poor performances Woodyard was benched in favor of veteran Paris Lenon for the last four games of the season 32 He finished the 2013 season with 84 combined tackles 48 solo four pass deflections 1 5 sacks and an interception in 14 games and ten starts 8 The Broncos selected him for the team s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for 2013 33 The Broncos finished atop the AFC West with a 13 3 record clinching a first round and home field advantage They went on to Super Bowl XLVIII after they defeated the San Diego Chargers in the AFC Divisional Round and the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship On February 2 2014 Woodyard made three combined tackles as the Broncos were routed 43 8 to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII 34 2014 season Edit Woodyard became an unrestricted free agent in 2014 and attended visits with the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans while also receiving interest from the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens He stated that his original intent was to stay with the Broncos but Woodyard did not receive a contract offer from them 35 Tennessee Titans Edit On March 14 2014 the Tennessee Titans signed Woodyard to a four year 15 75 million contract that included 4 75 million guaranteed and a 3 million signing bonus 3 36 2014 season Edit Head coach Ken Whisenhunt named Woodyard the starting left inside linebacker opposite Zaviar Gooden and along with outside linebackers Kamerion Wimbley and Derrick Morgan 37 Woodyard made his Titans debut in their season opener at the Kansas City Chiefs and recorded five solo tackles and sacked Alex Smith during a 26 10 victory On September 27 2014 Woodyard recorded a season high nine combined tackles broke up two passes and intercepted a pass by Andrew Luck during their 41 17 loss at the Indianapolis Colts He finished the 2014 season with 94 combined tackles 53 solo three pass deflections 2 5 sacks and two interceptions in 16 games and starts 8 2015 season Edit Throughout training camp Woodyard competed against Avery Williamson Zach Brown and Zaviar Gooden for a job as the starting inside linebacker 38 Head coach Ken Whisenhunt named Woodyard the backup inside linebacker behind Avery Williamson and Zach Brown to start the regular season 39 During Week 2 Woodyard made two solo tackles sacked quarterback Johnny Manziel and forced a fumble in a 28 14 loss at the Cleveland Browns 40 He was promoted to the starting lineup ahead of Zach Brown prior to the Titans Week 4 matchup against the Buffalo Bills 41 On October 18 2015 Woodyard recorded a season high ten combined tackles eight solo and sacked quarterback Ryan Tannehill during a 38 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins On November 4 2015 the Titans fired head coach Ken Whisenhunt after they fell to a 1 6 record Tight ends coach Mike Mularkey was named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season 42 Woodyard finished the 2015 season with 87 combined tackles 54 solo and five sacks in 16 games and 14 starts 8 2016 season Edit Woodyard entered training camp slated as the starting left inside linebacker after Zach Brown departed for the Buffalo Bills in free agency Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau named Woodyard the starting inside linebacker with Avery Williamson and outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan 43 During Week 12 Woodyard recorded five solo tackles a career high three pass deflections and intercepted a pass by Jay Cutler during a 27 21 victory at the Chicago Bears On January 1 2017 he collected a season high six combined tackles in a 24 17 victory against the Houston Texans 44 He finished the season with 57 combined tackles 42 solo five pass deflections two sacks and an interception in 16 games and ten starts 8 He shared time with Sean Spence who started the other six games in place of Woodyard 2017 season Edit On March 15 2017 the Titans signed Woodyard to a three year 10 5 million extension that includes 2 million guaranteed 3 45 Head coach Mike Mularkey named Woodyard the starting inside linebacker after Sean Spence departed for the Indianapolis Colts in free agency During Week 9 he recorded a season high 14 combined tackles nine solo and broke up a pass in a narrow 23 20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens During Week 15 he collected ten combined tackles seven solo and a sack in a 25 23 road loss against the San Francisco 49ers 46 Woodyard finished the 2017 season with a career high 124 combined tackles 84 solo five pass deflections and five sacks in 16 games and starts 8 Pro Football Focus gave Woodyard an overall grade of 78 6 which gave him the 28th highest grade among all qualified linebackers in 2017 47 2018 season Edit During a 34 10 Week 10 victory over the New England Patriots Woodyard registered 10 tackles and 1 5 sacks This effort earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week 48 Woodyard finished the 2018 season with 113 tackles 4 5 sacks two pass deflections and a fumble recovery in 14 games and starts 2019 season Edit nbsp Woodyard in 2019During Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers Woodyard recorded six tackles and a forced fumble in the 23 20 win Woodyard s forced fumble occurred late in the fourth quarter when he stripped the football from Melvin Gordon on the goal line and teammate Jurrell Casey made the recovery 49 Woodyard s role decreased in 2019 due to the emergence of second year linebackers Rashaan Evans and Harold Landry He finished the season with 42 tackles a sack a forced fumble and a pass deflection in 15 games and two starts NFL career statistics EditRegular season Edit Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles InterceptionsGP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck FF FR Yds TD Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD2008 DEN 16 6 55 47 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12009 DEN 16 0 46 38 8 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 22010 DEN 11 3 24 20 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 02011 DEN 15 7 90 60 30 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22012 DEN 15 14 114 70 44 5 5 1 1 12 0 3 40 13 3 25 0 62013 DEN 14 10 91 52 39 1 5 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 42014 TEN 16 16 94 53 41 2 5 0 0 0 0 2 20 10 0 13 0 32015 TEN 16 12 84 51 33 5 0 1 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 02016 TEN 16 10 53 39 14 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 21 21 0 21 0 52017 TEN 16 16 121 81 40 5 0 0 2 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 52018 TEN 14 14 113 69 44 4 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22019 TEN 15 2 42 25 17 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Career 180 110 951 627 324 28 0 8 5 19 2 8 81 14 7 25 0 31Postseason Edit Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles InterceptionsGP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck FF FR Yds TD Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD2011 DEN 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 02012 DEN 1 1 7 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 02013 DEN 3 0 7 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 02017 TEN 2 2 16 8 8 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 02019 TEN 3 0 11 10 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Career 11 3 42 30 12 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Personal life EditWoodyard is a Christian 50 51 He and his wife Veronica 52 have four kids In September 2016 Woodyard was part of a viral video Woodyard decked out in full uniform picked up a young boy encouraging the Titans prior to the team s game against the Detroit Lions and carried him a few steps The video has spread across social media and it was shown on NFL Network soon after Regarding his kind gesture Woodyard told Titans Online I have a son and it just touched my heart seeing the kid there That s the thing about this game of football it allows us to bring each other together It doesn t matter about the skin color race or anything money We are all the same we all enjoy Sundays and to me that was special seeing the kid in the tunnel References Edit 2008 NFL Draft Scout Wesley Woodyard College Football Profile DraftScout com Retrieved July 2 2023 Wesley Woodyard 2008 NFL Draft Profile insider espn com Retrieved July 2 2023 a b c d Spotrac com Wesley Woodyard contract Spotrac com Retrieved March 18 2018 2009 Denver Broncos Breaking Down the Roster The Linebackers milehighreport com July 25 2009 Retrieved March 18 2018 2008 Denver Broncos Training Camp Preview Defense broncotalk net July 26 2008 Retrieved March 18 2018 Turner Jamie November 4 2008 Broncos Roster Breakdown cleveland com Retrieved March 18 2018 Broncos fire Shanahan after 14 seasons as head coach ESPN com December 31 2008 Retrieved March 18 2018 a b c d e f g h NFL Player stats Wesley Woodyard career NFL com Retrieved March 18 2018 Bedinger Sayre June 1 2009 Denver Broncos Linebacker Wesley Woodyard Bulking Up For New Role bleacherreport com Retrieved March 18 2018 Ourlads com Denver Broncos Depth Chart 09 06 2009 Ourlads com Retrieved March 18 2018 Bedinger Sayre September 10 2009 Denver Broncos Name Seven Team Captains For 2009 Season BleacherReport com Retrieved March 20 2018 NFL Game Center Week 1 2008 Denver Broncos Cincinnati Bengals NFL com Retrieved March 18 2018 NFL Player stats Wesley Woodyard 2009 NFL com Retrieved March 18 2018 Stapleton Arnie August 25 2010 Broncos feel better about themselves chieftain com Retrieved March 19 2018 Ourlads com Denver Broncos Depth Chart 09 05 2010 Ourlads com Retrieved March 19 2018 Stapleton Arnie September 21 2010 Detectives McKinley spoke of suicide sandiegouniontribune com Retrieved March 20 2018 Jones Lindsay October 1 2010 Special teams unit hurt by injuries blogs denverpost com Retrieved March 20 2018 NFL Broncos dealing with more injuries staugustine com October 12 2010 Retrieved March 20 2018 Klis Mike December 6 2010 McDaniels fired as Broncos coach after controversy losses pile up Denverpost com Retrieved March 20 2018 NFL Player stats Wesley Woodyard career NFL com Retrieved March 20 2018 NFL Player stats Wesley Woodyard career NFL com Retrieved March 20 2018 Klis Mike August 27 2011 D J Williams out 3 4 Weeks with a dislocated elbow blogs denverpost com Silva Evan March 19 2012 Broncos keep Wesley Woodyard on two year deal NBCSports com Retrieved January 19 2014 Ingold John July 11 2012 Broncos linebacker D J Williams flunked second doping test court documents say blogs denverpost com Retrieved March 20 2018 Everett Tyler July 28 2012 Woodyard Mays leading the charge denverbroncos com Retrieved March 20 2018 NFL Game Center Week 8 2012 New Orleans Saints Denver Broncos NFL com Retrieved March 20 2017 Crabtree Curtis Richard Seymour Wesley Woodyard out for Thursday night profootballtalk nbcsports com Retrieved March 20 2018 NFL Player stats Wesley Woodyard 2012 NFL com Retrieved March 20 2018 Rosenthal Greg August 20 2013 Von Miller suspended six games by NFL NFL com Retrieved March 20 2018 Ourlads com Denver Broncos Depth Chart 09 05 2013 Ourlads com Retrieved March 20 2018 Mello Igor October 6 2013 Wesley Woodyard dealing with shoulder injury cbssports com Retrieved March 20 2018 Jones Lindsay December 11 2013 Inconsistent Broncos defense searches for right mix usatoday com Retrieved March 20 2018 Zaas Stuart November 27 2013 Woodyard Named Broncos Walter Payton Man of the Year DenverBroncos com Retrieved January 19 2014 NFL Player stats Wesley Woodyard 2013 NFL com Retrieved March 20 2018 Klis Mike April 27 2014 Eric Decker visiting with New York Jets as free agent receiver DenverPost com Retrieved March 20 2017 Wesley Woodyard Tennessee Titans sign 16M deal NFL com Ourlads com Tennessee Titans Depth Chart 10 01 2014 Ourlads com Retrieved March 20 2018 Projected 2015 starters Tennessee Titans NFL com Retrieved March 20 2018 Ourlads com Tennessee Titans Depth Chart 09 01 2015 Ourlads com Retrieved March 20 2018 NFL Game Center Week 2 2015 Tennessee Titans Cleveland Browns NFL com Retrieved March 20 2018 Glennon John October 15 2015 Titans Zach Brown disappointed by demotion tennessean com Retrieved March 20 2018 Kuharsky Paul March 4 2015 Titans fire coach Ken Whisenhunt ESPN com Retrieved March 20 2018 Ourlads com Tennessee Titans Depth Chart 09 01 2016 Ourlads com Retrieved March 20 2018 NFL Player stats Wesley Woodyard 2016 NFL com Retrieved March 20 2016 Alper Josh March 15 2017 Wesley Woodyard cuts 2017 pay adds two years to deal ProFootballTalk NBCSports com NFL Player stats Wesley Woodyard 2017 NFL com Retrieved March 20 2018 Pro Football Focus Wesley Woodyard ProFootballFocus com Retrieved March 20 2018 Wyatt Jim November 14 2018 Titans LB Wesley Woodyard Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week TitansOnline com Retrieved November 14 2018 Casey recovers fumble Titans hold off Chargers rally 23 20 www espn com October 20 2019 Retrieved October 20 2019 Whitehead How I met my fiance Wesley Woodyard Wesley Woodyard YouTube Archived from the original on December 21 2021 wooddro52 Archived from the original on December 24 2021 External links EditTennessee Titans bio Denver Broncos bio Kentucky Wildcats bio Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Wesley Woodyard amp oldid 1179148336, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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