Writing Illini
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Top 10 NFL careers by an Illinois football player

By Rees Woodcock

Sept. 11, 2005; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end #97 Simeon Rice is all smiles after his team scores late in the fourth quarter to insure their win over the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. Tampa Bay wins 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2005 Bruce Kluckhohn
Sept. 11, 2005; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end #97 Simeon Rice is all smiles after his team scores late in the fourth quarter to insure their win over the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. Tampa Bay wins 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2005 Bruce Kluckhohn /
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Nov 12, 1961; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Rams kick returner Abe Woodson (40) and left guard Bruce Bosley (77) support running back Billy Kilmer (17) as he carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum during the 1961 season. Mandatory Credit: David Boss-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 1961; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Rams kick returner Abe Woodson (40) and left guard Bruce Bosley (77) support running back Billy Kilmer (17) as he carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum during the 1961 season. Mandatory Credit: David Boss-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5 Abe Woodson

Another running back whom many people should recognize as one of the greatest Illinois players to suit up in the NFL is Abe Woodson. He might have played in the 1950s, but his impact on the NFL was great.

Coming out of Austin High School in Illinois, Woodson was a superstar athlete. He joined the Illinois football program and was one of the best players in program history. In 1956, Woodson would go on to be an All-American and All-Big Ten running back for the Orange and Blue.

Woodson finished up his Illinois career and then went to the professional ranks. He was picked in the second round by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1957 NFL Draft.

Over the next nine seasons, Woodson would only play for two franchises. He would end up making five straight Pro Bowl appearances and was a two-time All-Pro.

Most of Woodson’s success as an NFL player came on special teams and on the defensive side of the ball. He finished with 5,538 kick return yards, which ranks No. 24 in NFL history. He also had 19 interceptions as a cornerback.

Making that many Pro Bowls and being the best player at his position for two years is something to marvel at as an Illinois fan. Woodson had a great career and one that earned him the No. 5 spot on this list.

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