Quick Facts
Biography
Damien Michael Woody (born November 3, 1977) is a former American football offensive lineman who played for the New England Patriots, Detroit Lions and New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Boston College. He was originally drafted as a center by the Patriots in the first round, 17th overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. During his pro career, he played every position on the offensive line. A Pro Bowl selection in 2002, Woody won two Super Bowl rings with the Patriots.
Early years
He attended Patrick Henry High School in Ashland, Virginia, where he teamed with Erron Kinney and helped the Patrick Henry Patriots win the 1994 state football championship.
Professional career
New England Patriots
The Patriots selected him 17th overall in the first round of the 1999 draft. Woody would go on to start 76 games with the Patriots, mostly at center.
Woody was known to struggle with delivering the snap in the shotgun formation. When a play was called that required a shotgun snap to the quarterback, Woody would rotate to the guard position.
As the anchor of a tough and effective New England offensive line, Woody was a member of two Super-Bowl-winning teams, in 2001 and 2003. He did not play in Super Bowl XXXVIII against the Carolina Panthers because of a knee injury.
Detroit Lions
Woody signed as a free agent with the Detroit Lions in March 2004 and started every game in the 2004 and 2005 seasons before missing most of 2006 on injured reserve. His play earned him a selection as a Pro Bowl alternate in 2004.
New York Jets
On March 2, 2008, Woody and the Jets agreed to a five-year, $25 million contract with $11 million in guaranteed money.
During the Jets' post-season run, Woody suffered a torn Achilles tendon in a victory over the Indianapolis Colts on January 8, 2011. Woody was subsequently placed on the injured reserve list on January 12, 2011. Following the injury, Woody was released by the Jets on February 28, 2011.
Woody announced his retirement on July 26, 2011.
Broadcasting career
On August 5, 2011, he joined ESPN as an NFL analyst. He can be seen on SportsCenter, NFL Live and other shows.
Personal life
He and his wife, Nicole, have seven children, including Kamille, Jalynn, Alexandra, Domonique, Deuce, Dontrell, and Jacoby.
Woody was a contestant on Season 16 of the reality competition The Biggest Loser, which premiered on September 11, 2014 on NBC under the name The Biggest Loser: Glory Days, appearing along with former NFL quarterback Scott Mitchell.