Professional Football Player. For nine seasons (1958 to 1966), he played at the defensive back and half back positions in the National Football League with the San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Cardinals. Born Abraham Benjamin Woodson, he was raised in Illinois where he attended Austin High School in Chicago. During his collegiate years at the University of Illinois, Woodson distinguished himself as a track star and following service with the United States Military, he was selected by San Francisco during the 2nd round of the 1957 NFL Draft. His agility allowed for him to become one of the greatest special teams players in the league's history and is the only player to lead the NFL in yards-per-kickoff-return three-times, when he accomplished this feat in 1959 with 29.4, in 1962 with 31.3 and in 1963 with 32.3 averages, respectively. He totaled 116 regular season games and earned Pro-Bowl honors five consecutive years (1959 to 1963). Additionally, he received First-Team All-Pro status twice (1959 and 1960). Many believe Woodson's accomplishments are Pro Football Hall of Fame worthy. After retiring from football he worked for many years as a life insurance salesman and a prison chaplain in Nevada.
Professional Football Player. For nine seasons (1958 to 1966), he played at the defensive back and half back positions in the National Football League with the San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Cardinals. Born Abraham Benjamin Woodson, he was raised in Illinois where he attended Austin High School in Chicago. During his collegiate years at the University of Illinois, Woodson distinguished himself as a track star and following service with the United States Military, he was selected by San Francisco during the 2nd round of the 1957 NFL Draft. His agility allowed for him to become one of the greatest special teams players in the league's history and is the only player to lead the NFL in yards-per-kickoff-return three-times, when he accomplished this feat in 1959 with 29.4, in 1962 with 31.3 and in 1963 with 32.3 averages, respectively. He totaled 116 regular season games and earned Pro-Bowl honors five consecutive years (1959 to 1963). Additionally, he received First-Team All-Pro status twice (1959 and 1960). Many believe Woodson's accomplishments are Pro Football Hall of Fame worthy. After retiring from football he worked for many years as a life insurance salesman and a prison chaplain in Nevada.
Bio by: C.S.
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