Xavier Woods

Xavier Woods's Biography

Xavier Woods, whose real name is Xavier Lynn Woods, is an American Football free safety currently playing for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He was born on July 26, 1990, in Monroe, Louisiana. However, Woods is not to be confused with the WWE superstar who shares the same name.

Woods’ Football career began in a small town in Louisiana where he attended West Monroe High School and played on his school’s football team as a safety and running back. During his high school years, he took home multiple awards and gathered handfuls of honors that distinguished him among his peers. His talent on the field was evident, catching the attention of coaches and scouts from various colleges.

Upon graduation from high school, Woods chose to attend Louisiana Tech University. He was passionate about the sport and decided to advance his career by playing at a collegiate level as a safety for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs collegiate Football team from 2012 to 2016. Throughout his college years, Woods displayed great skill and resilience on the field. He ended his college football career with an impressive record of 325 tackles, 14 interceptions, 4 sacks, and 1 defensive touchdown.

When 2017 came around, Woods made himself eligible for the NFL Draft. It was a pivotal moment in his career as he was scouted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round. This was an enormous opportunity for Woods, as not many players are picked on such a high round. Woods was the 191st pick in total.

During his debut season with the Cowboys, Xavier Woods played in all 16 games, primarily on special teams and as a backup safety. In his second year, he took on more responsibilities as the starter. His most successful season with the Cowboys was in 2019, where he recorded 77 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 5 pass deflections. Woods was also named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in a game against the New York Giants.

Beyond just the numbers, Woods was valued for his versatility, leadership, and his ability to remain healthy throughout the season. Woods had been a consistent fixture on the Cowboys’ defense from 2017 to 2020, displaying exceptional performance on the field.

However, after his four-year stint with the Dallas Cowboys, Woods hit unrestricted free agency in March 2021. Shortly thereafter, he agreed to a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings, marking the next chapter in his professional football career. Woods was picked to replace Anthony Harris, who left for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Woods joined the Vikings with an array of skills and a reputation as a hard-hitter with reliable tackling techniques. He was considered a valuable addition to the Vikings secondary because of his vast experience and his ability to read offensive schemes, which made him a vital asset for the team’s defense.

Outside of the football field, Woods is described as reserved and unassuming. However, those who have worked with him closely can attest to his determination and work ethic. His coaches often commend him for his versatility and his coachable nature. Woods is a worker, both on the field and in the meeting rooms, consistently trying to improve and adapt his game.

In conclusion, Xavier Woods is a force on the football field. From his Louisiana roots to his journey in the NFL, he has shown an unwavering commitment to his craft. His dedication, coupled with his talent, makes him one of the leaders in the National Football League. Despite the numerous challenges he’s faced, Woods has forged a successful NFL career that many can aspire to emulate. It should also be noted that Woods’ journey reminds us that success often comes to those who work hard and remain consistent in their pursuits.