Wesley Woodyard is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade. He began his football career at the University of Kentucky, where he played for four years and was named team captain in his senior year.
Woodyard went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft but was signed as a free agent by the Denver Broncos. He quickly made an impact on special teams and eventually worked his way into the starting lineup as a linebacker. Woodyard played for the Broncos for six seasons, during which he was a team captain and helped lead the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2014.
In 2014, Woodyard signed with the Tennessee Titans as a free agent. He played for the Titans for five seasons, during which he continued to be a team captain and a leader on and off the field. Woodyard was known for his versatility as a linebacker, as he was equally adept at stopping the run and covering receivers in pass defense.
Throughout his career, Woodyard was recognized for his outstanding play and leadership. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2012 and was a two-time winner of the Broncos' Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Woodyard was also a finalist for the NFL's Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award in 2018.
In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Woodyard was known for his philanthropic work off the field. He founded the 16Ways Foundation, which provides support and resources to at-risk youth and their families. Woodyard was also involved in numerous other charitable organizations throughout his career.
After the 2019 season, Woodyard became a free agent and ultimately decided to retire from football. He finished his career with 1,136 tackles, 16.5 sacks, and 10 interceptions. Woodyard was widely respected by his teammates, coaches, and opponents for his work ethic, leadership, and character.
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