Super Bowl Heisman Memories: Charles Woodson

When 1997 Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson announced his retirement from the NFL last month, it marked the end of a spectacular football career.

As a Packer and a Raider, the eight-time Pro Bowler intercepted 65 passes, tied for the fifth most all time. He returned a remarkable 11 interceptions back for touchdowns, tied for second all-time. He was named AP’s defensive player of the year in 2009.

But the highlight of his NFL career came late, in 2011, when he finally won a Super Bowl championship with Green Bay, the eighth (and most recent) Heisman winner to do so.

It was a bittersweet moment, however, as the former Michigan great broke his collarbone in the second quarter.

Woodson injured his left collarbone in the second quarter. The injuries to him and Shields left the Packers vulnerable on a scoring drive by Pittsburgh that cut Green Bay’s lead to 21-10 at the half.

Woodson attempted to address the team at halftime but became so emotional he couldn’t do it.

“I just asked the guys to understand how much I wanted it,” Woodson said after the game.

“That’s all he could get out,” Green Bay linebacker Desmond Bishop said. “He was all choked up, and there was just something about it that motivated all of us.”

Woodson was later shown during the telecast attempting to lift his right arm on the sideline, and immediately wincing in pain.

Check out the above video of Woodson being interviewed with the Lombardi Trophy following Super Bowl XLV.