By Adam Roberts – 11/25/2020
Two relatively recent Green and Gold legends are up for nomination to the 2021 NFL Hall of Fame class.
Defensive backs LeRoy Butler and Charles Woodson each were named modern-era semifinalists yesterday, making it now four consecutive years Butler has made it this far (he was a finalist last year). For Woodson, its the first time he’s made the semifinals, but it’s also his first year of eligibility for Canton.
During his 12 seasons with Green Bay, Butler became the first defensive back in NFL history to eclipse 20 interceptions and 20 sacks, finishing his career with 38 interceptions, 20½ sacks in 181 regular-season games. But he is perhaps most remembered for his one giant leap for Titletown kind in 1993 after returning an Oakland Raider fumble to the house after receiving a lateral from Reggie White.
Woodson holds franchise records for the most touchdowns on interceptions (nine) and the most defensive touchdowns (10), and was selected to four straight Pro Bowls from 2008 through 2011. During that time, he also led the league in interceptions twice (’09, ’11).