#26 — Rod Woodson

One of my favourite all-time Steelers, I always loved how tough Woodson was and, at his peak, how ridiculously unbeatable he could be. Lightning quick, a total burner if he got in the open field, and a blanket in coverage, Woodson was likely my favourite Steeler in the early-90s and the first Steeler jersey I ever owned.

Side note: Woodson also wanted to watch his ACL reconstruction surgery in 1996 (I believe that was the year). That's a tough SOB.

Now, like Woodson, my jersey has past its prime. Although Woodson is holding up much better in retirement I would presume than my jersey is. The number is peeling, the letters are worn and let's just say it was a good fit for 1994 Dave, not so much 2006 Dave.

Woodson works the NFL Network and was field-level to interview a number of the Steelers after the Super Bowl win on Sunday and, maybe I'm just a crazy optimist, but it felt like Woodson was happy to see his former team — the team he really belongs to — finally win that one for the thumb. He had a chance in 1995, but I was glad he was on site to at least be some part of the festivities.

My Woodson jersey hasn't been retired yet, but it probably should be. I might let the ol' guy go out in style now (I mean, I have five jerseys after all) and frame him up for the wall. I'll let you know of the retirement ceremony. We can celebrate with Primanti sandwiches and a six-pack of Rolling Rock and finish it all off with feats of strength in the honour of a guy who wanted to see his knee gutted and scoped.