If you’re looking for a flashy superstar who spends half his time doing TikTok dances in the end zone, you’re looking for the wrong guy. Xavier Woods isn't that. He’s the guy who just shows up, hits people hard, and somehow ends up near the ball on every single play.
Most people hear the name and think of the WWE wrestler. Honestly, that’s fair. But in the world of the NFL, the "other" Xavier Woods has quietly built a career that would make most first-round picks jealous. He was a sixth-round flyer for the Dallas Cowboys back in 2017. Since then, he’s become a cornerstone for three different franchises and now anchors a young Tennessee Titans secondary.
The Grind from West Monroe to the NFL
Woods didn't have a red carpet rolled out for him. He grew up in West Monroe, Louisiana, a place where football is basically a religion. He played for the legendary West Monroe High School, winning a state title as a junior. When it came time for college, he stayed local at Louisiana Tech.
He was a ball hawk from the jump. By the time he left school, he had 14 interceptions—third-most in school history—and a school-record 325 interception return yards. You'd think that would make him a Day 1 or Day 2 pick, right? Nope.
Teams worried about his size. At 5'11" and about 200 pounds, scouts questioned if he could handle the physicality of an NFL safety. The Dallas Cowboys eventually traded up in the sixth round to grab him at 191st overall. It turned out to be one of the biggest steals of that draft.
Why Xavier Woods is a Defensive Coordinator's Dream
What makes Woods special isn't just his speed (though his 4.54-second 40-yard dash at the combine was plenty fast). It’s his brain. He’s a "coach on the field."
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He’s one of those rare safeties who can play both the "single-high" role—where you’re the last line of defense in the middle of the field—and the "in the box" role where you’re basically a small linebacker. In 2024, while playing for the Carolina Panthers, he literally led the entire league in defensive snaps. He played 1,152 snaps. He didn't come off the field.
That year, he put up a career-high 119 tackles. For a safety, that’s an insane number. It shows he isn't afraid to get his hands dirty in the run game.
The 2025 Transition to Tennessee
After three solid years in Carolina, Woods hit free agency again in March 2025. He signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. This was a "full circle" moment for him.
Woods grew up a Titans fan. He’s on record saying the first game he ever remembered watching was Super Bowl XXXIV—the "One Yard Short" game. His favorite player was Steve McNair. Coming to Nashville wasn't just a business move; it was a homecoming for a kid who used to wear the jersey.
The Recent Injury Setback
The 2025 season was a bit of a rollercoaster for Woods. He was playing lights-out football, recording 39 tackles and two interceptions through the first ten games he played. But the injury bug finally caught him.
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During a Week 15 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in December 2025, Woods went down with a severe hamstring injury. It was a tough blow. The Titans eventually placed him on Injured Reserve (IR) on December 16, 2025, effectively ending his season.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Game
People often look at his interception totals—15 in his career—and think he's just a "range" guy. That’s a mistake.
Woods is one of only eight players since 2017 to record at least 600 tackles, 10 interceptions, and five forced fumbles. That is the definition of versatility. He’s a "Swiss Army Knife" for a defense. If you need him to cover a tight end like Travis Kelce, he can do it. If you need him to fill a gap against a downhill runner like Derrick Henry, he’s there.
Off the Field: The Best Buddies Partnership
You can't talk about Woods without mentioning his life away from the turf. His oldest daughter, Dallas, has autism. Because of that, he’s become a massive advocate for the special needs community.
He’s partnered extensively with Best Buddies, hosting holiday events for families who have children with developmental disabilities. He’s mentioned in interviews that he understands the daily struggles these families face, and he uses his platform to make sure they feel seen. It’s the kind of high-character stuff that doesn't show up in the box score but matters a ton in a locker room.
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What's Next for Woods in 2026?
As we head into the 2026 offseason, the big question is his health. Hamstring injuries for 30-year-old safeties are no joke. However, Woods has a track record of being an "Iron Man."
The Titans have a "potential out" in his contract this year, but it’s unlikely they’d move on from him unless his recovery stalls. He’s set to carry a cap hit of about $5 million in 2026. Given the current market for veteran safeties, that’s a bargain for a guy who knows the system and can mentor younger players like L'Jarius Sneed (his former college teammate).
Actionable Insights for Following Woods in 2026:
- Watch the Injury Reports: His status for the 2026 training camp will be the first big indicator of whether he’s regained that elite "closing speed" after the IR stint.
- Snap Counts Matter: If the Titans limit his snaps early in the 2026 season, expect them to use him more as a situational "robber" in passing downs rather than an every-down thumper.
- Fantasy Football Deep Dive: If you’re in an IDP (Individual Defensive Player) league, Woods is a gold mine. His high tackle floor combined with his knack for interceptions makes him a top-tier safety option when healthy.
- Support the Cause: Keep an eye on his social media (@xwoods7 on Instagram) for his work with Best Buddies if you're looking to support autism awareness initiatives.
Woods is basically the ultimate "pro's pro." He won't give you a 15-minute soundbite for the local news, but he’ll give you 100% effort on every single play. In an era of flashy highlights, that’s a rare commodity.