Marvin Lewis Woodson (September 19, 1941 - February 11, 2023) was an American former professional football player who was a safety and defensive back in the National Football League (NFL).
Early life and college
Woodson was born on September 19, 1941, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Woodson attended Rowan High School in Hattiesburg. He attended Indiana University, where he played college football.
At Indiana, he played offense as well as defense, rushing for 540 yards and five touchdowns in 1962, along with 200 receiving yards, leading the team in both rushing and receiving. In addition, he returned punts and kickoffs and had two interceptions. Woodson's 92-yard interception touchdown return in a November 1962 game against Purdue is considered one of the great plays in Indiana football history. He was selected first team All-American. He only played three games his senior year because of a serious knee injury.
Future NFL player Nate Ramsay played in Indiana's offensive and defensive backfields with Woodson at Indiana. He was also teammates with future NFL players Tom Nowatzke (Woodson's backup in 1962) and Rudy Kuechenberg.
Professional football
Woodson was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the first round of the 1964 NFL draft (eighth overall), and was selected in the third round of the 1964 AFL Draft by the Denver Broncos (17th overall pick). The Colts traded Bill Saul and Woodson to the Pittsburgh Steelers for kicker/defensive lineman Lou Michaels and a 1965 third-round pick (that became Glenn Ressler) before ever playing for Baltimore.
He played 72 games across six NFL seasons, playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1964 to 1969 and for the New Orleans Saints in 1969. He was waived by the Steelers in 1969, after eight games, and was picked up by the Saints.
He played in the defensive backfield at cornerback and strong safety. He also returned punts and kickoffs. He wore No. 47 for both the Steelers and Saints.
Woodson had 18 interceptions as a Steeler, returning two for touchdowns, including a career high seven in 1967. His success in intercepting passes came from his speed and his study of his opponents' tendencies. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1967.
He was outspoken on providing equal opportunities for African Americans in football.
After football
Woodson ran a landscaping business after retiring from football.
Death
Woodson died on February 11, 2023.
References
