Dwayne Woodruff (1976-79) (1992) - Athletics Hall of Fame

Dwayne Woodruff (1976-79)

Induction:
1992
Class:
1978

Dwayne Woodruff was an outstanding defensive back for the Cardinals after playing running back and wide receiver his initial two years at UofL. He totaled 166 tackles (90 solo, 76 assisted), three interceptions and three fumble recoveries in his final two seasons in the Cards’ secondary, helping UofL to an appearance in the 1977 Independence Bowl.

A sixth-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1979, Woodruff played in Super Bowl XIV as a rookie. By 1981, he had earned a starting position in the secondary of the “Steel Curtain” defense. Woodruff was named the Steelers’ 1982 MVP after leading the AFC in interceptions. He went on to lead the Steelers in interceptions four more years (1985, ’87-89) and ranks fourth on the Pittsburgh all-time interception list. He was awarded the Ed Block Courage Award in 1987 for his remarkable comeback from a career threatening knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 1986 season. Woodruff is an attorney in Pittsburgh.