Craig Woodson enters his second NFL season after a rookie year that included a starting role for the Patriots, a divisional-round takeaway against the Texans, and a Super Bowl filled with impact plays. Now he says his focus is simple: trust himself, add tools,
When Craig Woodson walked into the building last season, he built momentum play by play. This year, the second NFL season comes with a different kind of pressure—one he seems to recognize immediately.
The Patriots safety. 25. is heading into his second year saying he needs to keep “adding tools” to his game while he continues to improve. “It gave me a lot of confidence knowing that I could play at a high level with the best guys on the field and I just want to keep building on that. ” Woodson said. “I’ve got to keep getting better every day that I come into the building. What I did last year was last year, this is this year and I’ve got to prove myself again.”.
Woodson arrived in the league with significant college experience after playing 46 games at Cal. and last season he stepped right in and made an impact. He earned a starting spot. finished fourth on the team in tackles. and stood out during a tough Super Bowl—one that ended in a lopsided loss. In that Super Bowl, Woodson recorded a team-high 10 tackles, including three for loss, along with a pair of deflections.
His postseason showing carried a particular kind of confidence. Woodson became the first Patriots rookie to recover a fumble and make an interception in a playoff game during the Divisional Round against the Texans.
There weren’t many moments where Woodson said he lacked confidence. But he tied what doubt looked like to small mistakes—plays he felt he might have given up. “I would say the moments that I did not have confidence were the moments that I may have given up a play or something. ” Woodson said. “For me this year. that’s the biggest thing. having confidence going in that I can make every play out there and I can run with guys. I can do what I know I can do, so I’ve just got to trust myself.”.
Off the field, the changes are already visible. Woodson laughed when asked if he received anything in exchange for giving up his No. 31 jersey to three-time All-Pro Kevin Byard, who signed in the offseason but opted not to share what the exchange involved. Woodson now wears No. 4.
The Patriots’ secondary also carries a fresh pairing. Last season, Woodson was paired with his former Cal teammate Jaylinn Hawkins. This season, he’s looking to pick up things from Byard as the two adjust to playing together. Woodson said he expects Byard to help him with preparation and reading the game—especially as it speeds up on the field. “I know he’s going to help me out there when it comes to seeing things. allowing the game to slow down even more than it’s stating to already. ” Woodson said. “Once we get to practice and on the field. I’m sure he’s going to give me some keys and some tools that are going to help me.”.
More than three months have passed since the Seahawks’ 29-13 triumph over the Patriots in the Super Bowl. The next phase is about to begin: OTAs are set to begin next week. and the Patriots are eager to return to the grind. Before that ramp-up. the team hosted a community event at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday. where the atmosphere was relaxed and players showed kids how to do football drills.
Woodson described the moment as a starting line—one where the focus is forward motion and work. not lingering on last season’s results. “I think everybody just wants to move forward and keep working,” Woodson said. “That’s how it is. we’ve got to keep working and get back to where we want to be and win games this year. It starts now. We’ve got to work, put in the grind and everything will take care of itself.”.
For a player who turned his rookie year into a foundation, the message this time is steady and direct: trust what he knows, keep adding what he doesn’t, and prove himself again.
Craig Woodson Patriots NFL OTAs Seahawks Texans Kevin Byard Jaylinn Hawkins Super Bowl Divisional Round Gillette Stadium