Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard has been in the NFL for five seasons and even though he’s not a starter, he plays a huge role in the Broncos success.
Woodyard has started just 16 career games, but he’s the team’s special teams captain, and he’s a major presence in the locker room. Woodyard has led the team in special teams tackles since his rookie year in 2008.
Come September, Woodyard could fill in for the Broncos in a major way when he starts in place of the suspended D.J. Williams.
“I’ve just got to be ready whenever I’m called to be on the field,” Woodyard said after practice in regards to his feelings on starting while Williams serves his yet to be determined suspension.
Woodyard’s first NFL contract expired after last season, and while he could easily fit in as a starter on another team, his priority was remaining Denver.
“Everybody wants to be a starter,” Woodyard said. “This year, it’s going to be an open competition once we start summer camp so I feel like my options are open everywhere that I would have went to.”
It’s hard not to cheer for a guy like Woodyard. He came into the league as an undrafted free agent, he’s undersized for a linebacker (6’1″, 229 pounds), and started Woodyard’s 16 Ways Foundation which aims to help at-risk youth.
He’s an all-around good guy with a big heart on and off the field.
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