ANN ARBOR, MI — In a moment that affirms decades of greatness on and off the field, Michigan football icon Charles Woodson has been officially named one of the 100 most influential people in sports by TIME Magazine’s prestigious TIME 100 list. This monumental recognition reflects not just his unmatched athletic legacy, but also the powerful impact he’s made as a broadcaster, philanthropist, mentor, and role model across generations.
Woodson, the only primarily defensive player to ever win the Heisman Trophy (1997), helped lead the Michigan Wolverines to a national championship before launching a Hall of Fame career in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers. His 18-season career was defined by excellence, leadership, and game-changing moments that helped him earn nine Pro Bowl selections, a Super Bowl title, and eventual induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
But Woodson’s influence extends far beyond the gridiron.
Since retiring from football, Woodson has established himself as a commanding voice in sports broadcasting with FOX Sports, offering sharp analysis and insight while maintaining his trademark class and charisma. Off the screen, he’s a dedicated philanthropist, having founded the Charles Woodson Foundation, which supports children’s hospitals and cancer research initiatives, and launched scholarships to help underprivileged students attend college.
According to TIME, Woodson’s selection to the list was based on his “transcendent influence as an athlete, advocate, and ambassador for integrity and progress in sports.”
In response to the recognition, Woodson humbly shared, “It’s not about me—it’s about the kids I can reach, the lives I can touch, and the example I can set. Football gave me a platform, and I’ve always believed in using it to lift others.”
This honor places Woodson in the company of global icons across athletics, including the likes of Serena Williams, Lionel Messi, and Simone Biles, making him not only a Michigan legend but a beacon of global impact.
From The Big House in Ann Arbor to the national stage, Charles Woodson’s legacy now shines brighter than ever.
Congratulations, Charles Woodson — a true Wolverine, a timeless champion, and now, one of the most influential voices in all of sports. 🏆〽️ #GoBlue #TIME100 #CharlesWoodson
