Marc Woodard facts for kids

Marc Fionn Woodard, born on February 21, 1970, is a former American football player. He played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). A linebacker is a player who lines up behind the defensive line. Their job is to stop the other team from running with the ball or to rush the quarterback. Woodard played for the Philadelphia Eagles for three seasons. He was first chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1993 NFL draft. This happened after he played college football at Mississippi State University.

Early Life and College Football

Marc Fionn Woodard was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi. He went to Kosciusko High School in his hometown.

After high school, Woodard played college football for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. This team is part of Mississippi State University. In 1989, he showed his skill by making three interceptions. An interception is when a defensive player catches a pass thrown by the opposing team's quarterback.

Professional Football Career

The Pittsburgh Steelers picked Marc Woodard in the fifth round of the 1993 NFL draft. He was the 140th player chosen overall. The NFL draft is an event where professional teams select new players from college. Woodard officially joined the Steelers on July 26, 1993. However, he was released from the team on August 30, 1993.

Time with the Philadelphia Eagles

On October 1, 1993, Woodard joined the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. A practice squad is a group of players who train with the team but are not on the main roster. They can be called up to play if needed. After that season, he became a free agent. This means he was free to sign with any team. He re-signed with the Eagles on April 6, 1994.

Woodard played in all 16 games for the Eagles during the 1994 season. He made 27 tackles on special teams. Special teams are units that play during kickoffs, punts, and field goals. He continued to play in all 16 games in 1995. That year, he made 12 solo tackles and 1.5 sacks on defense. A sack is when a defensive player tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage. He also played in two playoff games that year, making six solo tackles.

In 1996, Woodard played in all 16 games for the third year in a row. He started two of those games. He recorded 16 solo tackles and one fumble recovery. A fumble recovery is when a player gains possession of a ball that was dropped by an opposing player. Woodard also started one playoff game for the Eagles in 1996. He made five solo tackles and one assisted tackle in that game. He became a free agent again after the 1996 season.