A Shrine for Rod Woodson...

Perhaps that's a little intense for what I really mean. Nonetheless, I'm proud of the guy for making the first round of USA Today's Top 25 NFL Players of the Past 25 years list.

At #22, USA Today reveres Woodson for setting "a new standard" for the defensive "backfield." Over the course of their discussion, they relate how Rod was the first player to make the pro bowl at Cornerback, Safety and Kick Returner, and how he was a picture of longevity - playing 17 years with four different organizations (though in my heart most recognized as part of the Steelers).

Also among the first round "honorees" (counting down, #'s 25-22) was Terry Bradshaw at #23, although I'm not sure it's fair to include him since we're talking 1982-2007 and most of his greatness was accomplished before '82 (though USA Today qualifies his inclusion by the fact that he played 2 years during the given timeframe). Their discussion of Bradshaw is the usual - 4 Super Bowl rings, 3 Pro Bowl appearances, 8 AFC Central titles, you know, child's play and all that...kidding.

If having 2 guys in the first 4 revealed is any indication of what the whole list is going to look like, I'd say Steeler fans will be pretty pleased. Unlike our reactions to some of the other Top What-Have-You lists we've seen recently...