82-715: Rod Woodson (2023) The Vegas Vipers were a professional American football team based in Las Vegas, Nevada . The Vipers competed in the XFL football league. The team was founded by Vince McMahon 's Alpha Entertainment as the Tampa Bay Vipers and were owned-and-operated by Dwayne Johnson ’s Alpha Acquico. The Vipers had a franchise regular season record of 3–12 (.200), the worst win percentage among all XFL teams. Tampa Bay joined Seattle , Houston , Los Angeles , New York , Dallas , St. Louis and Washington, D.C. as
164-536: A signing bonus of $ 3 million. Woodson was reunited with Ravens' defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis who was a linebacker coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers . Head coach Ted Marchibroda named Woodson a starting cornerback to begin the regular season, alongside Duane Starks . On September 4, 1998, it was reported that Woodson entered stage 1 of the league's substance abuse program after refusing to take
246-662: A 10–6 record, but were eliminated from the playoffs after a 27–10 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Round. Woodson finished the game with ten combined tackles (eight solo) and a pass deflection against his former team. On February 29, 2002, the Baltimore Ravens released Woodson in a salary cap related maneuver. On May 1, 2002, the Oakland Raiders signed Woodson to a six-year contract. Head coach Bill Callahan named Woodson
328-547: A 1–4 record. On April 10, 2020, The XFL Suspended operations, with all employees, players and staff being terminated. On July 24, 2022, the XFL announced that it would be placing one of its eight teams in the Las Vegas area, and that Rod Woodson would be its head coach. It initially appeared unclear whether this would be a new expansion team or a relocation. As early as April 2020, the league had reportedly been considering moving
410-569: A 24–10 win at the New York Jets in Week 2. Woodson intercepted a pass by Jets'quarterback Glenn Foley , that was intended for wide receiver Dedric Ward , and returned it for a 60-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. On November 8, 1998, Woodson made five combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown during the Ravens' 13–10 win against the Oakland Raiders . Woodson intercepted
492-682: A 45–17 victory against the Atlanta Falcons . On October 17, 1993, Woodson intercepted two passes by Saints' quarterback Wade Wilson and returned one for a 63-yard touchdown in the Steelers' 37–14 win against the New Orleans Saints . Woodson started in all 16 games in 1993 and recorded 95 combined tackles, a career-high eight interceptions, two sacks, and a touchdown. He also made 15 kick returns for 294 return yards (19.6 YPR) and 42 punt returns for 338 return yards (8.0 YPR). He
574-624: A 5–11 record the previous season. The Steelers also fired four assistant coaches. Woodson and Dwayne Woodruff returned as the Steelers' starting cornerback tandem in 1989. On November 19, 1989, Woodson returned a kickoff for an 84-yard touchdown during a 20–17 win against the San Diego Chargers . Woodson started 15 games in 1989 and recorded 80 combined tackles and three interceptions. He also returned 36 kickoffs for 982-yards (27.2 YPR) and one touchdown and had 29 punt returns for 207-yards (7.1 YPR). The Pittsburgh Steelers finished
656-499: A career-high six sacks, and four interceptions. On March 1, 1993, the NFL implemented unrestricted free agency. Woodson received an $ 1.11 million settlement from the league after being one of 15 plaintiffs to sue the league in a class action antitrust lawsuit. Woodson and D.J. Johnson returned as the starting cornerback tandem for the fourth consecutive season and started alongside safeties Darren Perry and Carnell Lake . He started in
738-455: A degree in criminal justice . The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Woodson in the first round (10th overall) of the 1987 NFL draft . Although the Steelers wanted to draft Woodson to help rebuild their secondary, the team expected Woodson to be drafted before their turn at tenth overall. Head coach Chuck Noll instructed defensive coordinator Tony Dungy not to bother with a scouting report on Woodson due to his expected unavailability. However,
820-415: A drug test the previous month. It was reported that Woodson became infuriated after he was randomly selected to take a drug test on two consecutive days. His refusal automatically counted as a failed test although he subsequently relented and passed the test the next day. On September 13, 1998, Woodson recorded a season-high 11 combined tackles, made two interceptions, and returned one for a touchdown during
902-765: A first round bye. They defeated the Buffalo Bills 40–21 in the AFC Divisional Round and defeated the Indianapolis Colts 20–16 in the AFC Championship Game. On January 28, 1996, Woodson made his return from injury and played in Super Bowl XXX as the Steelers lost 27–17 to the Dallas Cowboys . Woodson became the first player to return from reconstructive knee surgery in the same season and returned after only 19 weeks. Woodson
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#1732783438960984-663: A five-year, $ 10 million contract extension and a five-year, $ 13.5 million incentive-laden contract with a signing bonus of $ 500,000 included. Woodson returned as the starting cornerback alongside Willie Williams, but was relieved of kick and punt return duties. He started in the Pittsburgh Steelers' season-opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars and collected a season-high eight combined tackles and made an interception in their 24–9 loss. On September 8, 1996, Woodson recorded five combined tackles and returned an interception by Ravens' quarterback Vinny Testaverde 43 yards for
1066-608: A hit to Oilers' quarterback Warren Moon on a cornerback blitz during a 21–20 win against the Houston Oilers in Week 8. The hit gave Moon a concussion and forced him to leave the game. In Week 14, he made a career-high two sacks on Bears' quarterback Jim Harbaugh during a 30–6 loss to the Chicago Bears . On December 24, 1992, it was announced that Woodson was selected to play in the 1993 Pro Bowl . He started in all 16 games in 1992 and recorded 100 combined tackles,
1148-496: A pass by Browns' backup quarterback Ty Detmer and returned it for a 66-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. In Week 11, he made four combined tackles and made his 50th career interception off a pass by Bengals' quarterback Jeff Blake during a 34–31 victory at the Cincinnati Bengals . On December 5, 1999, Woodson made eight combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown in the Ravens' 41–14 win against
1230-428: A pass by Raiders' quarterback Donald Hollas , that was intended for wide receiver Tim Brown , and returned it for an 18-yard touchdown in the first quarter. He started in all 16 games in 1998 and recorded 88 combined tackles, six interceptions, and two touchdowns. On December 28, 1998, the Baltimore Ravens fired head coach Ted Marchibroda after the Ravens finished the season with a 6–10 record. On January 19, 1999,
1312-420: A pass from Bengals' quarterback Boomer Esiason and returned it for a 45-yard touchdown during the Steelers' 30–16 win in Week 11. It was his first career touchdown. He finished his rookie season in 1987 with 20 combined tackles in eight games and no starts. Woodson also returned 13 kicks for 290-yards (22.3 YPR) and made 16 punt returns for 135-yards (8.4 YPR). Woodson entered training camp in 1988 slated as
1394-645: A position he continued even as his widow inherited the trust that held ownership of the team. Shortly after Terrence Pegula purchased the Bills, Brandon was also assigned the role of president of the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League following the dismissal of previous president Ted Black on July 27, 2015. With his assumption of the Sabres role, Brandon also became president of
1476-463: A running back and wide receiver. He was named an All-American defensive back in 1985 and 1986; he was named an All-American returner in 1986 and was a three-time All-Big Ten first team selection. In his final collegiate game, Woodson gained over 150 combined rushing and receiving yards, in addition to making ten tackles and forcing a fumble, leading Purdue to a victory over arch-rival Indiana . Woodson left Purdue with 13 individual records, tying
1558-562: A statement to the press, Brandon stated that the departure had been planned since he had reached 20 years with the Bills franchise in November 2017 and that he fulfilled his duties to the Bills and Sabres for the remainder of the season before tendering his resignation. A report in The Buffalo News claimed that Brandon had been subject to an internal investigation regarding inappropriate relationships with female employees; neither
1640-536: A touchdown (10.4 YPR). Woodson and D.J. Johnson returned as the starting cornerback tandem in 1991. Woodson was inactive for the Steelers' Week 13 victory against the Houston Oilers due to an injury. On November 28, 1991, Woodson recorded his first career solo sack on Cowboys' quarterback Steve Beuerlein in the Steelers' 20–10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys . On December 27, 1991, Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach Chuck Noll announced his decision to retire after
1722-492: A touchdown during a 31–17 win against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2. In Week 11, Woodson recorded five combined tackles and made a season-high two interceptions off pass attempts by Bengals' quarterback Jeff Blake during a 34–24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals . He started in all 16 games in 1996 and recorded 71 combined tackles, six interceptions, a touchdown, and a sack. The Pittsburgh Steelers finished atop
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#17327834389601804-517: A touchdown in the Ravens' 39–27 win against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. Woodson intercepted a pass by Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning , that was intended for wide receiver Marvin Harrison , and returned it for a 47-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. He started in all 16 games in 2001 and recorded 74 combined tackles, three interceptions, forced a fumble, and scored a touchdown. The Baltimore Ravens finished second in their division with
1886-716: Is credited with expanding the Buffalo Bills fan base throughout the Western New York-Southern Ontario region in a time when the team's on-field fortunes were poor (Brandon was with the team throughout its 17-year playoff drought), and was instrumental in the deal for the Bills to play two games per season (one preseason, one regular season) in Toronto, Canada. An influential NFL executive, Brandon also served on several league business and marketing committees. As CEO, Brandon increased his influence on
1968-579: The Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League . The change also changed Brandon's title with the Bills to that of "managing partner," but despite the title change, Brandon did not receive a partnership stake in the franchise (unlike predecessor Larry Quinn , who owned a share of the Sabres during his time of managing partner). Brandon announced his resignation from Pegula Sports and Entertainment on May 1, 2018. In
2050-487: The Buffalo Bills in Week 11. Woodson started in 15 games in 1994 and recorded 67 tackles, four interceptions, three sacks, and a touchdown. He also made 15 kick returns for a total of 365 return yards (24.3 YPR) and 39 punt returns for 319 return yards (8.1 YPR). On January 26, 1995, the Pittsburgh Steelers promoted defensive backs coach Dick LeBeau to defensive coordinator after Dom Capers accepted
2132-547: The New Orleans Saints in Week 2. In Week 10, he collected a season-high eight combined tackles in the 49ers' 17–10 victory against the Dallas Cowboys . He started in all 16 games in 1997 and recorded 46 combined tackles, three interceptions, and a forced fumble. The San Francisco 49ers finished first in the NFC West with a 13–3 record and earned a first round bye. They defeated the Minnesota Vikings 38–22 in
2214-500: The Pittsburgh Steelers' season-opener at the San Francisco 49ers and intercepted two passes by quarterback Steve Young in their 24–13 victory. On September 18, 1993, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Woodson to a four-year, $ 12 million contract. The contract made Woodson the NFL's highest paid defensive back. In Week 4, he made two interceptions off passes by Falcons' quarterbacks Bobby Hebert and Billy Joe Tolliver during
2296-541: The Pittsburgh Steelers' season-opening 23–20 victory against the Detroit Lions . Steelers' safety Carnell Lake replaced Woodson at cornerback during his injury hiatus. On September 11, 1995, Woodson underwent reconstructive surgery and had his ACL in his left knee replaced with a patella tendon from his right knee. The Pittsburgh Steelers finished first in the AFC Central with an 11–5 record and earned
2378-678: The San Francisco 49ers and two seasons with the Oakland Raiders . His 71 career interceptions are the third-most in NFL history. He was an inductee of the Class of 2009 of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio on August 8, 2009. Woodson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016. He played most of his career as a cornerback then switched to safety during the later part of his career. Woodson
2460-418: The San Francisco 49ers signed Woodson to a three-year contract. Head coach Steve Mariucci named Woodson a starting cornerback on the 49ers' depth chart to begin the regular season, opposite Darnell Walker . On September 14, 1997, Woodson recorded two combined tackles, forced a fumble, and made a career-high three interceptions off passes by Saints' quarterback Danny Wuerffel during a 33–7 victory against
2542-583: The Tennessee Titans . Woodson intercepted a pass by Titans' quarterback Steve McNair , that was intended for wide receiver Kevin Dyson , and returned it for a 47-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. In Week 14, he collected a season-high nine combined tackles during a 31–24 win at the Pittsburgh Steelers . He started in all 16 games in 1999 and recorded 66 combined tackles, seven interceptions, and two touchdowns. Woodson and Kim Herring returned as
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2624-858: The United Football League (UFL). Brandon is best known for his 21-year tenure in the front office of the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League . Brandon is a 1989 alumnus of Saint John Fisher College . In 1990, Brandon began his career with the Rochester Red Wings , then the Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles , where he was a member of a staff that included Joe Altobelli , Glenn Geffner , Joe Kehoskie , Josh Lewin , and Bob Socci . Brandon had risen to co-general manager of
2706-536: The 1987 NCAA championships in the 55 meter hurdles. Woodson held the NCAA 60 meter hurdles record for 10 years. As of January 2009, he still holds the school records in both the 60 and 110 meter hurdles. He earned five Big Ten championships while at Purdue. In 1984, he qualified for the Olympic Trials in the 110 meter hurdles, but elected to continue his football career in the NFL after graduating from Purdue with
2788-573: The AFC Central with a 10–6 record. On January 5, 1997, Woodson recorded seven combined tackles in his last appearance as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. They went on to lose 28–3 to the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round. After the 1996 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers offered Woodson a four-year, $ 7.2 million contract with a signing bonus of $ 1 million. Woodson became an unrestricted free agent in 1997 after he
2870-492: The Baltimore Ravens declined an option to retain him. On May 7, 2001, the Baltimore Ravens signed Woodson to a five-year contract. Head coach Brian Billick retained Woodson as the starting free safety. Woodson started alongside strong safety Corey Harris in 2001. In Week 4, he collected a season-high ten combined tackles and made an interception during a 26–7 win against the Tennessee Titans . On December 2, 2001, Woodson made two combined tackles and returned an interception for
2952-424: The Baltimore Ravens hired former Minnesota Vikings' offensive coordinator Brian Billick as their new head coach. Billick retained Marvin Lewis as the Baltimore Ravens' defensive coordinator and hired Mike Smith , Jack Del Rio , and Rex Ryan as defensive position coaches. Defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis opted to move Woodson to free safety after the Baltimore Ravens drafted cornerback Chris McAlister in
3034-468: The Bills nor Brandon mentioned such in their statements. Pegula's wife Kim , already active in the Bills' operations as a part owner, took over Brandon's positions. On November 8, 2021, Russ Brandon was named president of league and football operations of the XFL , succeeding the departing Jeffrey Pollack . In July 2023, he also assumed the role of CEO for the league. Brandon became the President of
3116-659: The NFC Divisional Round. The following week, Woodson made four combined tackles as the 49ers were defeated by the Green Bay Packers 23–10. On February 9, 1998, the San Francisco 49ers cut Woodson and former Steelers' teammate Kevin Greene in an effort to free up salary cap space. On February 21, 1998, the Baltimore Ravens signed Woodson to a three-year, $ 5.70 million contract that includes
3198-519: The NFL (2013) before resuming his coaching career in 2014. He was announced in July 2022 as the Ravens ' new radio color commentator beginning with the upcoming season . Woodson accepted a full scholarship to play football at Purdue University , in part because of a desire to pursue a degree in electrical engineering . He played primarily as a cornerback and kick returner, but also saw time on offense as
3280-514: The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly offered Woodson a three-year, $ 3 million contract extension. That contract would make Woodson the highest paid player in team history. On December 20, 1990, it was announced that Woodson was selected to play in the 1991 Pro Bowl . Woodson started in all 16 games in 1990 and recorded 66 combined tackles and five interceptions. He was voted first-team All-Pro in 1990. Woodson had 35 kick returns for 764 return yards (21.8 YPR) and 38 punt returns for 398 return yards and
3362-547: The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to draft Woodson after the Cleveland Browns traded for the San Diego Chargers' fifth overall pick and subsequently used selection to draft linebacker Mike Junkin . The St. Louis Cardinals drafted Kelly Stouffer (sixth overall) who ultimately never played for the Cardinals due to a contract dispute. The Buffalo Bills were the last likely team to draft Woodson, but instead used
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3444-573: The Ravens' 24–10 win at the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Divisional Round. The following week, the Ravens went on to defeat the Oakland Raiders 16–3 in the AFC Championship Game. On January 28, 2001, Woodson recorded six combined tackles as the Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34–7 in Super Bowl XXXV . On March 1, 2001, Woodson was one of seven players released by the Baltimore Ravens. He became an unrestricted free agent after
3526-454: The Steelers finished with a 7–9 record in 1991. He started in 15 games in 1991 and recorded 73 combined tackles, 3 interceptions, and a sack. He also returned 44 kicks for 880 return yards (22.0 YPR) and had 28 punt returns for 320-yards (11.4 YPR). On January 21, 1992, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced the hiring of former Kansas City Chiefs' defensive coordinator Bill Cowher as their new head coach. On January 31, 1992, Cowher announced
3608-417: The Steelers' 27–7 loss to the Cleveland Browns . Woodson started in all 16 games in 1988 and recorded 88 combined tackles, four interceptions, and was credited with half a sack. He also returned 37 kicks for 850-yards and a touchdown (22.9 YPR) and 33 punts for 281-yards (8.5 YPR). On January 3, 1989, Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive coordinator Tony Dungy announced his resignation after they finished with
3690-648: The Vegas Vipers franchise was disbanded. The Vipers finished the rivalry with a 0–2 record against the Battlehawks. John Lovett 2023 Marwin Evans Keylon Kennedy 2023 2023 Rod Woodson Roderick Kevin Woodson (born March 10, 1965) is an American former professional football cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons. Widely considered one of
3772-532: The Vipers name would instead be relocated to Las Vegas in homage to southern Nevada being home to numerous rattlesnakes . The move returned the XFL to a market that previously had a team in the 2001 iteration of the league in the Las Vegas Outlaws . At the time of the original announcement, Las Vegas was the only city in which the XFL had not secured a stadium agreement. By the league's own admission,
3854-420: The Vipers parted ways with their Head Coach Rod Woodson after just one season. Woodson finished the 2023 season with a 2–8 record and finished last in the division. They later hired New York Giants Assistant Special Teams Coordinator Anthony Blevins to replace him on July 7, 2023. On August 31, 2023, the Vipers announced that they would not return to Cashman Field in 2024. The statement did not specify whether
3936-689: The Vipers played their first game in team history, losing to the New York Guardians 23–3. They won their first game in week 4, shutting out the DC Defenders 25–0. The Vipers played the Los Angeles Wildcats in what would be the final game of the 2020 iteration of the XFL. On March 12, 2020, The XFL announced that the remainder of the 2020 XFL season had been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic . The team finished with
4018-656: The Vipers to Orlando , 80 miles up Interstate 4 from Tampa, and the July 24 announcement confirmed that Orlando would get a team and that Tampa Bay would no longer have one. However, when team names were leaked in September and confirmed in October, it was instead revealed that Orlando's team would take on the name of the Guardians , a team that had played in North Jersey representing New York City in 2020, and that
4100-517: The XFL was in advanced talks with the USFL to merge the two leagues prior to the start of their 2024 seasons. On September 28, 2023, the XFL and USFL announced their intent to merge with details surrounding the merger to be announced at a later date. The merger would also require regulatory approval. In October 2023 the XFL filed a trademark application for the name "United Football League" . On November 30, 2023, Garcia announced via her Instagram page that
4182-561: The bronze medal at the 1987 USA Olympic festival, and won medals in several IAAF Grand Prix meetings in Europe. Woodson is one of only two athletes in history to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and also earn a world ranking in the high hurdles. On October 28, 1987, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Woodson to a four-year, $ 1.80 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $ 700,000. Woodson's contract holdout
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#17327834389604264-455: The eighth overall pick to draft linebacker Shane Conlan . Woodson missed training camp due to a contract holdout that lasted 95 days after he was unable to come to terms on a contract with the Steelers. Woodson was a World-Class 110-meter hurdler and ran track on the European track circuit during his contract holdout. Woodson had the fourth fastest 110-meter hurdle time in the world. He won
4346-427: The field to become slippery when heavy rains fell during the home opener), divots caused by heavy equipment were noted on the field, ESPN's press box was open-air and covered by a tarp, and the boundary lines painted on the field were found to not be straight. Both the Vipers players and league president Russ Brandon noted that the field was structurally sound and held up well to the harsh conditions. On June 11, 2023,
4428-425: The first round (10th overall) of the 1999 NFL draft . Woodson was named the starting free safety and was used to make checks in coverage and help stabilize a young secondary that also included cornerbacks Duane Starks and strong safety Kim Herring . On November 7, 1999, Woodson recorded two combined tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown during a 41–9 win at the Cleveland Browns . Woodson intercepted
4510-459: The first round (24th overall) of the 1997 NFL draft and ended negotiations with Woodson. During the offseason, Woodson held a workout at Purdue that was attended by ten teams interested in signing him, including the San Francisco 49ers , Chicago Bears , Cincinnati Bengals , and Jacksonville Jaguars . The Cincinnati Bengals offered Woodson a three-year contract reportedly worth between $ 1.5 million and $ 2 million per season. On July 17, 1997,
4592-598: The greatest cornerbacks of all time, Woodson holds the NFL record for fumble recoveries (32) by a defensive player, and interceptions returned for touchdown (12). He was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1993. Woodson was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 1987 NFL draft and played his first ten years there. He was also a key member of the Baltimore Ravens ' Super Bowl XXXV championship team. He had two shorter stints for
4674-525: The head coaching position with the Carolina Panthers . Woodson started as the No.1 cornerback to begin the 1995 regular season, alongside Willie Williams . On September 3, 1995, Woodson sustained a torn ACL when his foot got caught in the artificial turf at Three Rivers Stadium when he attempted to change direction and arm tackle Detroit Lions' running back Barry Sanders in the first quarter of
4756-403: The head coaching position with the New England Patriots . Head coach Chuck Noll retained Woodson as a starting cornerback in 1990, opposite D.J. Johnson . On September 16, 1990, Woodson returned a punt from Oilers' punter Greg Montgomery for a 52-yard touchdown during a 20–9 victory against the Houston Oilers , marking the first punt return for a touchdown in his career. On December 6, 1990,
4838-690: The hiring of former New Orleans Saints' secondary coach Dom Capers as their new defensive coordinator. On May 19, 1992, it was reported that Woodson was one of nine NFL players to sue the National Football League for unrestricted free agency . Other players included Steve Beuerlein (Cowboys) , Bobby Hebert (Saints) , D. J. Dozier (Lions) , Scott Mitchell (Dolphins) , Jeff Dellenbach (Dolphins), Seth Joyner (Eagles) , Clyde Simmons (Eagles), and Kevin Ross (Chiefs) . Head coach Bill Cowher retained Woodson and D.J. Johnson as
4920-511: The league's inaugural cities. On March 5, 2019, Marc Trestman was announced to be the head coach and general manager of the Tampa Bay XFL team for the 2020 season . The team name and logo were revealed on August 21, 2019, as well as the teams uniforms on December 3, 2019. On October 15, 2019, The Vipers announced their first player in team history, being assigned former Georgia Bulldogs Quarterback Aaron Murray . On February 9, 2020,
5002-548: The leagues had received regulatory approval for the merger and were finalizing plans for a " combined season " to begin March 30, 2024. The merger was made official on December 31, 2023, and on January 1, 2024, it was announced the Vipers would not be a part of the merger. The Vipers' main rival was the St. Louis Battlehawks. The fans of the Battlehawks constantly joked that Viper fans defecate while standing. This rivalry ended in 2024 when
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#17327834389605084-409: The process of securing a stadium was "long and tedious," as the Vipers had to negotiate around the other teams using Las Vegas's venues (with Allegiant Stadium , Cashman Field , and Bishop Gorman High School being considered at various points), and the XFL was dead-set against having the Vipers play as a traveling team until a venue could be secured. On January 5, 2023, the day the league's schedule
5166-508: The school record with 11 career interceptions, which he returned for 276 yards and three touchdowns. He currently is ranked in the top ten in career interceptions, solo tackles, total tackles, passes deflected, and kickoff return yardage (1,535 yards) as a Boilermaker. Woodson was inducted into the Purdue Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003. On December 11, 2014, the Big Ten Network included Woodson on "The Mount Rushmore of Purdue Football ", as chosen by online fan voting. Woodson
5248-524: The season third in the AFC Central with a 9–7 record and earned a wildcard berth. On December 31, 1989, Woodson started in his first career playoff game and had four kick returns for 74-yards during a 26–23 victory at the Houston Oilers in the AFC Wildcard Game. The following week, the Steelers were eliminated from the playoffs after losing 24–23 to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round. The Pittsburgh Steelers promoted linebackers coach Dave Brazil to defensive coordinator after Rod Rust accepted
5330-411: The second quarter. He started in all 16 games in 2002 and recorded 82 combined tackles (70 solo), a career-high eight interceptions, seven pass deflections, and two touchdowns. On January 2, 2002, it was announced that Woodson was selected to play in the 2002 Pro Bowl . Russ Brandon Russell Jerome Brandon (born June 1967) is an American sports executive, and current CEO and President of
5412-399: The starting cornerback tandem in 1992. He started in the Pittsburgh Steelers' season-opener against the Houston Oilers and made two interceptions off pass attempts by Oilers' quarterback Warren Moon in their 29–24 victory. On October 25, 1992, Woodson returned a punt for an 80-yard touchdown as the Steelers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 27–3. On November 1, 1992, Woodson delivered
5494-497: The starting cornerback. Head coach Chuck Noll named Woodson a starting cornerback to begin the regular season, opposite fellow cornerback Dwayne Woodruff . Woodson also retained kick and punt return duties in 1988. On October 9, 1988, Woodson returned a kick for a 92-yard touchdown during a 31–14 loss to the Phoenix Cardinals in Week 6. The touchdown was the first kick return touchdown of his career. In Week 12, Woodson made his first career sack on Browns' quarterback Bernie Kosar in
5576-446: The starting free safety to begin the regular season, alongside strong safety Derrick Gibson . On September 28, 2002, Woodson recorded four combined tackles, made a career-high three interceptions, and returned one for a touchdown in the Raiders' 52–25 win against the Tennessee Titans . He intercepted a pass by Titans' quarterback Steve McNair , that was intended for tight end Frank Wycheck , and returned it for an 82-yard touchdown in
5658-432: The starting safety tandem in 2000. Woodson became the veteran presence and a mentor to a young secondary. In Week 6, he made three tackles and an interception during a 15–10 win at the Jacksonville Jaguars . It became his third consecutive game with an interception. In Week 17, he collected a season-high 11 combined tackles and forced a fumble in the Ravens' 34–20 win against the New York Jets . On December 14, 2000, Woodson
5740-451: The team and handled most of its day-to-day operations while owner Ralph Wilson 's health began to decline. This culminated in Wilson officially naming Brandon as president on January 1, 2013, giving Brandon full control over the franchise.Brandon is the third person to serve as president of the Bills, after Wilson and Tom Donahoe . Since Wilson's retirement, Brandon had served as the team's representative in owners' meetings in lieu of Wilson,
5822-412: The team by the time he left in 1993. After a brief stint with a New York Yankees division called Sports Advertising Network, he eventually joined the front office of the Florida Marlins and was there as part of the 1997 World Series championship team. Six days after the Marlins won the World Series, Brandon joined the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League on November 1, 1997. Brandon
5904-484: The team would be seeking a deal with one of the other stadiums in Las Vegas (as the Houston Roughnecks did in response to their home stadium being slated for renovation) or seeking relocation to another market; if the latter option was chosen, Nashville, Tennessee , Portland, Oregon , and Phoenix, Arizona were identified as potential candidates to host the team. In September 2023, Axios reported that
5986-519: The third quarter. On November 11, 2002, Woodson recorded four combined tackles, deflected a pass, and returned an interception for the final touchdown of his career in the Raiders' 34–10 win at the Denver Broncos in Week 9. Woodson intercepted a pass by Broncos' quarterback Brian Griese , that was originally intended for running back Clinton Portis , and returned it for a 98-yard touchdown in
6068-419: Was also named NFL Defensive Player of the Year . Woodson returned as the No. 1 starting cornerback in 1994, opposite Deon Figures . He played under defensive coordinator Dom Capers and assistant coaches Dick LeBeau and Marvin Lewis . On November 14, 1994, Woodson intercepted pass by Bills' quarterback Jim Kelly and returned it for a 37-yard touchdown in the first quarter of the Steelers' 23–10 win against
6150-408: Was first named to a high-level executive position within the franchise in 2006, being named director of non-football operations alongside general manager Marv Levy . Brandon, although his title did not change, assumed Levy's responsibilities as de facto general manager after Levy retired. Brandon was promoted to CEO upon the hiring of Buddy Nix as the Bills' general manager. Among other things, he
6232-417: Was joined in the honor by Drew Brees , Bob Griese , and Leroy Keyes . On January 8, 2016, Woodson was selected for induction in the College Football Hall of Fame . In addition to his exploits on the gridiron, Woodson was also an accomplished track and field athlete at Purdue, and was twice awarded All-America honors. He finished second at the 1985 NCAA championships in the 55 meter hurdles and third at
6314-413: Was limited to 12 snaps in Super Bowl XXX and was primarily used on third down. During the game, he broke up a pass intended for Michael Irvin and immediately hopped up and pointed at his reconstructed knee. On August 12, 1996, Woodson declined the Pittsburgh Steelers' three-year, $ 9 million contract extension offer and requested a long-term contract for four or five-years. They went on to offer Woodson
6396-544: Was most recently the head coach of the XFL's Vegas Vipers . From his retirement in 2003 to February 2011, Woodson worked as an analyst for the NFL Network (on NFL Total Access and Thursday Night Football ) and for the Big Ten Network . He spent the 2011 season as the Raiders' cornerbacks coach . He then returned to broadcasting, working for Westwood One as an analyst on college football (2012) and
6478-483: Was released, Cashman Field was announced to be the Vipers home stadium for the 2023 season. The move into Cashman Field was done with the full cooperation of the Las Vegas Lights FC , who cooperated with the Vipers in setting out each team's schedule. The league had difficulties getting the playing surface to professional standards and maintaining it; the dried, brown grass had to be painted green (causing
6560-483: Was selected to the 2001 Pro Bowl , marking the 10th Pro Bowl selection of his career. Woodson started in all 16 games in 2000 and recorded 74 combined tackles, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles. The Baltimore Ravens finished second in the AFC Central with a 12–4 record and defeated the Denver Broncos 21–3 in the AFC Wild Card Round. On January 7, 2001, Woodson recorded 11 combined tackles in
6642-506: Was the longest in the Pittsburgh Steelers' franchise history, until Le'Veon Bell withheld the entire 2018 NFL season. On November 8, 1987, Woodson made his professional regular season debut in the Pittsburgh Steelers' 17–16 victory at the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8. He finished his debut with two kick returns for 48-yards and two punt returns for 12-yards. On November 22, 1987, Woodson made his first career interception off
6724-456: Was unable to agree to a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Woodson was plagued by injuries in 1996, including a strained Achilles tendon , a sprained knee, and an injury to his back that substantially hurt his value on the free agent market. On April 19, 1997, Woodson declined a four-year, $ 7 million contract offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers hours before the 1997 NFL Draft. The Steelers subsequently drafted Maryland cornerback Chad Scott in
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