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Updated August 3rd, 2021 at 10:54 IST

Philanthropist and NFL star Woodson enters Hall

Charles Woodson is one of the most accomplished defensive backs in the history of football.

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Charles Woodson is one of the most accomplished defensive backs in the history of football.

Or as President Barack Obama declared during a 2011 White House ceremony honoring Woodson and the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers: "Woodson's a pretty good ballplayer."

The former president, a noted Bears fan, wasn't wrong.

Woodson is one of only two players to win a Heisman Trophy, AP Rookie and Player of the Year awards and a Super Bowl championship.

And he's about to add another title: Pro Football Hall of Famer.

"That's a hell of a journey that you have to go through to be standing up there," Woodson told The Associated Press during an interview at his home in Orlando, Florida.

The NFL portion of Woodson's journey to Canton started and ended with the Raiders. In between, he spent seven seasons in Green Bay, long enough to earn that trip to the White House.

But Woodson would like to be remembered for more than his on-field heroics.

"I want to be able to actually leave an imprint that's going to actually help somebody get better," Woodson said.

He's done just that, establishing the Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund at his alma mater's children's hospital in Ann Arbor.

The Woodson Fund provides money for research to advance the treatment of a host of illnesses that affect children.

"It's truly a special thing that he has created here at Michigan Medicine. It will contribute to saving lives in the future," said Dr. Gabe Owens, a pediatric cardiologist at the University of Michigan whose research has been funded via Woodson's efforts.

Scotty Passink, a university gift officer and a longtime friend of Woodson's, said: "His legacy is more than just a football player. It's as a phenomenal human as well."

One who will be immortalized in his home state of Ohio in a matter of days.

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Published August 3rd, 2021 at 10:54 IST

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