Football Cards to Honor Woodruff at Halftime Saturday
November 08, 2000 | Football
Nov. 8, 2000
LOUISVILLE, KY. -- The University of Louisville will honor the jersey of former Cardinal defensive back and Pittsburgh Steeler standout Dwayne Woodruff in a halftime ceremony during U of L's contest with Army this Saturday. Kickoff time is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. ET.
A three-time letterman for the Cardinals, Woodruff opened his career as a reserve running back and wide reciever from New Richmond, Ohio but was moved to the secondary by then-head coach Vince Gibson following his sophomore campaign.
In his two seasons as a defensive back, Woodruff collected 161 tackles while intercepting three passes and recovering three fumbles.
Woodruff accounted for 97 total tackles in 1977 as the Cardinals advanced to the Independence Bowl.
Following his collegiate career, Woodruff was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 1979 National Football League Draft.
Woodruff spent 11 of the next 12 seasons as a member of the Steelers earning a victory in Super Bowl XIV as a rookie for the Steeler dynasty.
His 37 career interceptions still ranks fifth all-time in the Steel Curtain record books while his three interception returns for touchdowns is the third-most in Pittsburgh history.
Woodruff was named the team's most valuable player following the 1992 season when he topped the team with five interceptions. He led the Steelers in picks during five different campaigns - 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1989.
Woodruff's jersey joins the uniforms of former Cardinal greats Lenny Lyles, Ernie Green, Frank Minnifield, Doug Buffone, Tom Jackson, Chris Redman, Otto Knop and Bruce Armstrong along the northwest facade of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. The nine jerseys join the uniform of former Cardinal quarterback Johnny Unitas on the facade.
Unitas' accomplishments at U of L and in the NFL warranted his No. 16 be retired by the University and unavailable for future Cardinals to wear.
