Abe Woodson, American football player and minister (d. 2014)
Abraham Benjamin Woodson (February 15, 1934 – February 8, 2014) was a highly versatile American professional football player, renowned for his exceptional skills as both a cornerback and an electrifying kick returner. His impactful career spanned nine seasons in the demanding National Football League (NFL), primarily leaving his mark with the San Francisco 49ers for seven seasons, though he also contributed to the St. Louis Cardinals for two years.
A Versatile NFL Star: Cornerback and Kick Returner
Woodson distinguished himself as a true dual-threat player in the NFL. As a cornerback, his primary responsibility was to cover opposing wide receivers, prevent pass completions, and intercept passes. This demanding defensive role requires exceptional speed, agility, and keen spatial awareness to disrupt offensive plays. Beyond his defensive prowess, Woodson was equally celebrated as a kick returner, an electrifying special teams position where players field kickoffs and punts and attempt to advance them for significant yardage, ideally for a touchdown. This role demands explosive speed, vision, and the ability to break tackles, often turning the tide of a game with a single, spectacular play.
A Storied Career with the San Francisco 49ers
Abraham "Abe" Woodson's NFL journey began impressively when he was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round (11th overall) of the 1957 NFL Draft. This high draft pick immediately underscored the team's confidence in his athletic abilities. During his seven seasons with the 49ers, from 1957 to 1963, Woodson became a cornerstone of their defense and a special teams phenom. He earned Pro Bowl selections in both 1959 and 1960, a testament to his consistent high-level performance. As a kick returner, Woodson frequently electrified crowds, leading the NFL in kickoff return yards in his rookie season and achieving a remarkable 7 career kickoff return touchdowns during his tenure, a figure that places him among the all-time leaders in NFL history for this category. His ability to score from special teams added a critical dimension to the 49ers' offensive threats.
Time with the St. Louis Cardinals
Following his impactful years with the 49ers, Woodson concluded his NFL career with a two-year stint playing for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964 and 1965. Even in the latter stages of his career, he continued to contribute his veteran experience and versatile playmaking ability to the Cardinals' squad.
Frequently Asked Questions about Abe Woodson
- When was Abe Woodson born and when did he pass away?
- Abraham Benjamin Woodson was born on February 15, 1934, and passed away on February 8, 2014, just a week before his 80th birthday.
- Which NFL teams did Abe Woodson play for?
- Abe Woodson primarily played for the San Francisco 49ers for seven seasons (1957-1963) and concluded his career with two seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals (1964-1965).
- What positions did Abe Woodson play in the NFL?
- He was an American football cornerback, primarily responsible for pass defense and tackling, and also an exceptional kick returner, tasked with returning kickoffs and punts for maximum yardage.
- What were some of Abe Woodson's key achievements?
- Woodson was a first-round NFL draft pick (11th overall in 1957), a two-time Pro Bowl selection (1959, 1960), and is highly notable for his 7 career kickoff return touchdowns, placing him among the NFL's all-time leaders in that electrifying category.