Fansided

Top 30 NFL players of the 21st century

By Jarrett Bailey

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts with Jordan Jenkins #48 before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts with Jordan Jenkins #48 before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WI – JANUARY 05: Safety Charles Woodson #21 of the Green Bay Packers reacts in front of quarterback Joe Webb #14 of the Minnesota Vikings after the Packers stop the Vikings on third down forcing a field goal in the first quarter during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 5, 2013 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI – JANUARY 05: Safety Charles Woodson #21 of the Green Bay Packers reacts in front of quarterback Joe Webb #14 of the Minnesota Vikings after the Packers stop the Vikings on third down forcing a field goal in the first quarter during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 5, 2013 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

18. Charles Woodson

How Charles Woodson spent 18 years in the NFL as a defensive back and didn’t ever look bad doing it was the work of a higher power. Whether it was in Oakland or Green Bay, the man never lost a step.

Woodson began the century with consecutive Pro Bowl appearances with the Raiders in 2000 and 2001. Injuries derailed multiple seasons through the early 2000s, and in 20006, he became a Green Bay Packer. In his first season with Green Bay, Woodson intercepted eight passes and somehow got snubbed from the Pro Bowl.

From 2008-11, though, he was one of the best defensive players in football. He intercepted seven passes in 2008, and led the NFL with nine picks in 2009, being named All-Pro for the first time in his career.

In 2010, Woodson helped the Packers win the Super Bowl. He was once again named All-Pro in ’11, leading the NFL with seven interceptions. He finished his career with the team that drafted him, as he went back to Oakland in 2013. He made the switch from cornerback to safety, intercepting five passes in 2015, and being named a Pro Bowler in his final season.

Woodson retired with 65 interceptions and is widely regarded as one of the best defensive backs of all time. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

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