In 1997, Charles Woodson set a precedent that remains intact to this day. He is the Michigan Wolverines’ third Heisman Trophy winner and the first predominantly defensive player to win the honor. His dream run in college football commands respect, and according to LaVar Arrington, no one comes close to Woodson. 

“I think Charles Woodson's the best player all time period. I think if you look at everything he's done at every level,” the former linebacker said in 2022. 

Arrington made an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show and shared his honest feelings there. Introduced as the co-host of the show Two Pros and a Cup of Joe, Arrington showered Woodson in praise. 

“Only person that I'll say better than me in the annals is probably Charles Woodson. I'm probably like the best college football player that nobody really talks about,” the three-time Pro Bowler said.  

Woodson had a legendary run in Ann Arbor over 28 years ago. In 1995, as the Wolverines’ defensive back, Woodson led the team with five interceptions and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and first-team all-conference. Woodson is not the only player to have had an illustrious college career. 

So why did Arrington call him the best that ever was? Woodson is the only Heisman winner to have played significant minutes on both sides of the ball after college football moved to a two-platoon system.

Coach Lloyd Carr, an important figure in the Wolverines’ and Woodson’s history, asked if he would play in the offense as well. He agreed.

In his sophomore year, the former cornerback and safety ran about 10 plays on offense in each game. In 1996, he set a Wolverines record.

He recorded 15 pass breakups and caught 13 passes on offense for 164 yards. He rushed for 152 yards on six carries. He was a Jim Thorpe finalist and was named AP First Team All-American.

He defeated quarterback Peyton Manning and won his 1997 award. 

With a college football national title, the 1998 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, the Super Bowl XLV title, and a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Woodson retired from the sport as one of his undisputed greats. 

While Arrington holds Woodson in high regard, he never got to play with or against him.

LaVar Arrington narrowly missed Charles Woodson in his college days

Charles Woodson's Michigan Wolverines run started in 1995, came to an end in 1997, and he declared for the NFL. That year was LaVar Arrington’s freshman year, and he played linebacker for Penn State until 1999. 

The two narrowly missed facing each other on the field because they were scheduled for a Big Ten face-off in the 1997 season. The two were not NFL teammates either. The defensive backs did play against each other, though.

Arrington played seven NFL seasons as an outside linebacker for the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants. His career was cut short due to an injury and went out with 362 total tackles and 23.5 sacks. 

Do you agree with Arrington’s take on Woodson? Tell us in the comments.

Read more at the Michigan Football Community!

Written by

Akanksha Biradar