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Michigan legend Charles Woodson finds himself near the top of another incredible list
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) greet each other Mike De Sisti / USA TODAY NETWORK

Former Michigan legend, Heisman Trophy winner, National Champion, and Super Bowl Champion Charles Woodson is no stranger to finding his name on elite lists. The list of players that have won a Heisman, National Championship, and Super Bowl is one such elite list (besides Woodson, the list consists of Tony Dorsett, Marcus Allen, Reggie Bush, and most recently DaVonta Smith). Like most NFL Hall of Famers, Woodson's incredible play on the field has placed him on statistical leader lists that are stacked with other premier players.

Recently, former NFL great Asante Samuel shared one such list—the leaders in interceptions in the NFL over the last quarter of a century. Woodson found himself in second place behind longtime Baltimore Ravens great Ed Reed. Woodson has always been known as a ball-hawking defender, unlike some cornerbacks, he also had the strength and speed to play the run game. That is what made him such a valuable defensive star.

It appears that Samuel, who became Hall of Fame eligible in 2019, is asserting that being in the top ten of this list alone qualifies him for the Hall of Fame. This statement has sparked a lively debate among fans and analysts alike. Some contend that while his achievements are impressive, his overly aggressive style often led to blown coverages, which raises concerns about his overall consistency as a pass defender. In contrast, Woodson was known for his remarkable ability to strike a balance between aggressive play and solid coverage skills. This ability made him a more reliable and consistent defensive stopper throughout his career.

Many feel that consistency is a crucial factor in Hall of Fame candidacy, as it speaks to a player’s ability to maintain high performance week after week. The differing opinions on their playing styles highlight the complexity of evaluating defensive players in the league, especially when it comes to comparing individual contributions to team success. With so many factors at play, the conversation surrounding their legacies will likely continue to evolve as new generations of players emerge.

This article first appeared on Michigan Wolverines on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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