Wesley Woodyard’s favorite Bible verse has nothing to do with his most embarrassing moment.
When he was a freshman at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Woodyard was wearing a medical boot and carrying a plate full of chicken nuggets. He hit a slick spot, spilling his food and beverage all over him.
Although he could relate his favorite verse, Proverbs 24:16, to that embarrassing moment, instead Woodyard, a linebacker for the Tennessee Titans, applies it to his pro career: “For though a righteous man falls down seven times, he rises again.”
Undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft, Woodyard was signed by Denver as an unrestricted free agent that year and just finished his eighth NFL season.
“Every year you have to prove yourself. Every year there is a new challenge. It always feels that you are on the bottom of the totem pole and you have a scratch mentality. You are always trying to kick and scratch and make a way. The only thing that stays consistent throughout my life is the Lord and His Word,” Woodyard said.
“The righteous man falls down seven but gets up eight.”
During the 2015 season, Woodyard had 112 tackles and five sacks. In his first season with the Titans in 2014 he finished with a career-high and team-leading 134 tackles while starting every game.
From 2008 to 2013, Woodyard played for Denver. In 2012 he was the only NFL player to have at least 100 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions. During the last 30 years, he was the 12th NFL player to accomplish it.
‘Uplift His name’
“Being an undrafted free agent I thought I wouldn’t be able to play this game anymore and I fell to my knees and asked God that if He gave me a chance to play football, I would uplift His name. He has continued to bless me throughout my career,” said Woodyard, 29.
As soon as Woodyard gets out of bed, he is on his knees “spending time with God. I make it a point every morning that I get on my knees and give thanks to the Lord for Him waking me up and for His grace and mercy. Faith motivates me every day. I can get up every day and continue to try to be a better man. God loves me through all my flaws.”
God provides the inspiration to keep going, Woodyard said.
“I try to use my play for the Lord in the good times and bad times. … I call on the Lord to give me strength in the good days and the bad days. I have learned that I need to call on Jesus all the time, to speak His name. There is power in His name and that will set us free.”
Praying before and after a game, Woodyard’s focus goes beyond the win-loss record. His 16Ways Foundation impacts at-risk youth and sponsors community projects such as three football camps, mentor programs and toy drives.
“I try to be a light to the community and to the world. I try to live it,” Woodyard said.
Tennessee wide receiver Harry Douglas said Woodyard brings a positive attitude and leadership to the team.
“He is one of those work-hard guys who never quits, who never stops. Energy is high. He has got a motor. I am lucky that I get to play with a guy like that.”
Delanie Walker, Tennessee tight end, said that Woodyard’s “faith is everything. He always talks about it. He preaches to us. I think that is what carries him and makes him a great leader on this team because of his faith.”
Teammates elected Woodyard a permanent team captain in 2014 and 2015. He has received the honor eight times in his NFL career.
Douglas said, “He has been a captain every year he has been in the league, even in his rookie year in Denver. He is a great leader who goes hard. You just love to have a guy like that no matter what. … I love his overall demeanor and the love he has for God, his family and for the game of football.”
By “staying consistent” through prayer and Bible study, Woodyard wants to “be a good, positive light for the Kingdom” and not give in to temptations that NFL players face.
“I try to pray that He has His will and His way in my life. I think my purpose is to continue to be a shining light, no matter what. I thank God for bringing me through my challenges,” Woodyard said. “If people know God and know His Son, Jesus, they have the same blessings and the same chances that I have. Every day is a blessing to wake up knowing that He is with me.”
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