Wesley Woodyard’s two NFL seasons have proven that a player doesn’t need hype or expectation — or even to be drafted — to earn teammates’ respect.
The former college free agent’s election as one of the Broncos’ seven captains last season was proof enough of that.
But in the NFL, leadership can take time. As Woodyard transitions from young player working hard to find a niche to veteran on an experienced defensive unit, he’s learning what it takes to be a leader at football’s highest level.
One lesson Woodyard, who has made his mark as one of the Broncos’ best special teams players, picked up along the way is that someone is always watching and listening, whether it’s on the practice field or in the locker room.
In the linebacker’s mind, leading by example is one of the most important ways to reach the newest group of youngsters.
“You really don’t notice what you’re doing in my situation,” Woodyard said. “I really don’t think too much. When you see a guy that you know is going to be a good player and can be a good player, you just try to encourage him.”
Sometimes that’s enough to make a big impact.
Earlier this offseason, rookie Kevin Alexander, an undrafted free agent from Clemson, cited Woodyard as one of the players who made him feel comfortable on the defense right away.
When Alexander earned reps with the first team defense during minicamp, he said he relied on Woodyard’s positive approach to pull him through what could have been an overwhelming time.
“(Woodyard) said, ‘Keep your head up,’ even if I messed up,” Alexander said. “He was just like, ‘Keep coming, rookie. Keep working.’”
Dicky Lyons said his former Kentucky teammate has always been the type of player that others gravitate toward and look up to because of his hardworking attitude. The first-year Bronco said that hasn’t changed in Denver.
The team won’t name its 2010 captains until the season draws closer, but it’s clear that Woodyard continues to emerge as a leader.
It’s a role the 23-year-old is becoming increasingly comfortable in.
“You never know how far your word can go,” Woodyard said. “I just try to just go out there and be myself. Hopefully, my work ethic and my skills and everything that I’ve learned since I’ve been in the league will rub off on some of these young players.”
Tags: 2010, Denver Broncos, Dicky Lyons, Kevin Alexander, Wesley Woodyard
Man I cant wait for the season to start! GO BRONCOS!!!!
Nice article. Always like Woodyard.
i like this guy. i remember his rookie year when everyone got hurt and he stepped in and made some plays. if he gets a shot he might be able to do some good things as an outside line backer opposite doom. i think hes too small to play inside
“PAY DOOM”
W.W has and continues to be an inspiration for those who know they have what it takes to make a NFL team. W.W is the poster boy for “you can’t measure a man’s heart”. Stay healthy and be productive.
Go Broncos!!!
E.D nice article on a good player and good person. KLeep up theses type of articles please.
I wonder if Woodyard is a possibility at OLB if Ayers doesn’t plane out.
OPTIMUS PRIME!!!
I think that is cool that people refer to WW as OP! I have loved that passion he has played with ever since we picked him up. The only thing I cant figure out is how come he doesn’t start yet. The man has heart and skills!
I agree jazzy, he played awesome in 08′ and I was hoping to see more of him in 09′ I guess he will just have to show up for 2010!
Hey Bay, something you said on the previous post about foster. It is terrible beer haha no one in Australia drinks it that is why we export it haha. We go VB, XXXX gold or crownies(are long necks others cans). That is what we drink haha.
Oh and I thought Wes was a good player, I was hoping for him or Larsen to play next to DJ, but that doesn’t look like it will happen.
Only game I saw Wes struggle in was against the Colts, where Dallas Clark had him beat all day.
hey did you guys read up that Brady and Manning arent getting deals yet either cause of the CBA (the patriot way), that they just might get franchised next year if nothing gets fixed with cba
i wonder if we could franchise elvis or champ next year and what the cost for each would be on that. i know only one franchise, just wondering what each would cost.
Was a fan of woodyard in his rookie season. especially preseason. i remember he was all over the field tackling people. had a knack for being at the right place at the right time and played with intensity.
I have respect for what he has accomplised as a undrafted player but wesley is too small for an Ideal run stopper and while fast sucks in coverage cuz he got TORCHED alot last year by TEs. Dunno if he just didnt adjust to 3-4 well or what but I look forward to him improving on his skill if he remains our coverage back. But he does his thing on special teams as well. More power to him. TRB out
Well KFS if there is no CBA, we can tag everybody haha. Unless of course there is a holdout.
During that 2-8 slide the ENTIRE defense was getting scorched. Though, it did look like WW had a tough time against Dallas in the 1st half of that game!
Nice little bit on Woodyard. Just goes to show the positive attitude a person has can and does go a long way. One of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite movies (Remember the Titans) says it all: “Attitude reflects leadership”. It all starts there… with a person’s attitude. A players talent is just an added bonus. Woodyard will go a long way, he’s got both the right attitude I want to see in a player & he’s got the talent… plenty of room for potential in the future. I really hope he can improve his game this year.
Keep the faith Bronco Country…
GO BRONCOS in 2010!!!!
Hope Woodyard gets better, at times he can look great but just as often he is completely befuddled by the play, kind of runs around totally hyper with his head cut off, sometimes it works but often it doesn’t, he had a better year in 2008 than last year, that’s kind of worrisome and I never really understood why the players voted him ST captain, I guess that’s the best we got on ST. Definitely too small to play inside, OLB and ST is where he needs to help us.
What about Jamarcus’ fall from the top, here is the latest on him:
Former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell has been charged with possession of a controlled substance—codeine syrup—after being arrested at his home in Alabama on Monday, authorities said.
The 24-year-old former LSU star and the No. 1 draft choice in 2007 was arrested as part of an undercover narcotics investigation, said Mobile County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Lori Myles. She would not say what led to his arrest. She said he did not have a prescription for the codeine.
50 some million dollars and the guy gets high on codeine, how sad, I would venture to guess that in the end this guy will go broke. I don’t know what LSU’s academic requirements where for him, but he somehow doesn’t seem well fitted to face the real world now, a real sad story in the making I’m afraid, even for a Raider.
well said in reference to WW Baylin. And Jamarcus as well.
Woodyard is gonna need to step his game up to a whole new level. and like baylin said and I said in my previous post, he seemed better in 2008 than 2009. No one how ever will question his intensity and hunger. Bruton, Barrett, or McBath would be my choice for special teams captain. But guess its WW attitude that won it for him cuz Bruton was killing it. But then again with the exception of Barrett, all the others I named were rookies last year. Best luck to woodyard. love rooting for the undrafteds….
Cant wait to see the boys in action, I feel like this year is going to be a good one, I think we suprise alot of people. I’m one of the few that feels like San Diego will struggle this season. Lets go get em’
Just a couple of things;
BA ~ Fosters is RUBBISH!! Of the Aussie beers I have tried, I do like VB and Carlton Cold when I can afford it. Next to Zimbabwe, Aussie alcohol is flam’n expensive! lol
Re: WW ~ He grew on mne last year and I look forward to him having a more productive season. We need a good LB that will be here for a few more years to consolidate the LB core and create inhouse experience. Over time this will create good leadership an development within the ranks.
Lino ~ I agrued with my friends that JMR was a bust well before his first full season was up. When he held out not long after his draft, I thought to myself that this guy whats to buy into the KFC franchise. My next bold prediction is **JMR will be working at BK or prehaps KFC withiin the next 2 – 3 years*** lol
Haha Samoan I knew you would agree with me on the fosters haha. Like I said why do you think we export it. You can’t find it anyway on tap in Australia, james boags isn’t too bad either. But I am more of a rum man haha. Aussie alcohol is expensive because of all the taxes and the costs to make it.
And I agree with you about JMR, if he isn’t in prison he will be bankrupt.
BA ~ LOL Bro I was just watching Sky Sport 2 tonight its got State of Origin 30 year history.. FRIGGN AWESOME!!!!!!.. Not sure if its that same across the ditch though.
Wow – it’s been two years since Wesley joined the Team as an undrafted ST ace from Kentucky. WW plays an aggressive brand of football and has proven himself to be a reliable open-field tackler. Woodyard’s rare straight-line speed and fine instincts make him a fit as an in-the-box strong safety. He did line up at this position during the 2nd half of ’08. WW has plays with alot of heart and intensity. He has shed some weight since joining the Team, and now listed at 219 lbs.
I’ve liked Woodward since he has been on the team. Good work ethics, good team dedication. Was glad to hear he was named a captain last year and hope he gets the chance to be named a captain this year. Just shows that a undraftee can do some positive things on and off the field to be recognized by his peers (veterans and rookies) to be honored with a title such as captain.
Just grabbed me up a #27 Steve Atwater player of the century jersey for only $37 bucks american including shipping & handling. Couldn’t pass up on that deal.
Now I have a #27 on defense and #27 on offense, just looking for a Darrent Williams (Rest Peacefully) jersey so I can have 3 different #27 jerseys.
A month away and pre~seasons starts, can’t wait. Go Broncos!!!
Had a dream last night, we were at the end of a game that we needed to win. Down in the red zone, Orton takes the snap, fires and connects with Tim Tebow( who made a sick move to get open) for the go ahead score!
Told you it was a dream, lol
GO BRONCOS 2K10!!!!!!!!!!
Ever since Woodyard stepped on the field as a Bronco, he’s been my favorite! Customized jersey for #59 on the way!!!
Go Woodyard! GO BRONCOS!!!!
Itll be interesting to see when these signings begin..I have a bad feeling doom wont get sighed though and the contract issue will last until next off season.
I remember Woodyard when he played college ball for KY,he can lay some WOOD,remains to be seen if he can really turn it on at the pro level.The guy has speed and quickness,but is kinda small for a run stopper,and lacks coverage skills,but has a lot of potential.If he can show a little improvement and bulk up a little,I believe he has a chance to make it.
BFE
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