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Former Michigan great Charles Woodson gains entry into pro football Hall on first ballot

Charles Woodson, who distinguished himself at Michigan and won the 1997 Heisman Trophy as primarily a defensive player, will be enshrined in the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the 2021 class.

Woodson was informed of the honor, achieved in his first year of eligibility, on Saturday. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018. This is the second straight NFL Hall class that includes a former Michigan player, as offensive guard Steve Hutchinson is in the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

During his first 14 NFL seasons, Woodson played cornerback, his primary position at Michigan, then played safety later in his career.