By Solomon 
After waiting more than a decade, Cowboys legend Darren Woodson was hoping 2025 would finally be his year. But once again, the Hall of Fame call never came. Many Cowboys fans were shocked that the iconic safety was left out yet again.
Woodson, who spent all 12 of his NFL seasons in Dallas, retired in 2004 as the team’s all-time leading tackler with 1,350 career stops. He was a key part of the Cowboys’ 1990s dynasty, helping the team win three Super Bowls. A five-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro, he changed the way safeties played the game, blending size, speed, and coverage skills in a way few had before.
His journey to the NFL wasn’t typical. Drafted 37th overall in 1992, he was initially an undersized college linebacker. But Cowboys defensive coordinator Dave Campo saw his potential and converted him to safety—a move that turned out to be brilliant. Woodson went on to become one of the most versatile defensive backs of his time.
His career stats were impressive—23 interceptions, 11 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, and 11 fumble recoveries. But his true impact went beyond the numbers. He had a rare ability to cover slot receivers, something most safeties of his era couldn’t do, while still being a physical force in run defense. His leadership in the secondary helped make Dallas one of the most dominant defenses of the ’90s.
For now, Woodson will have to keep waiting for his gold jacket. The Hall of Fame already includes several stars from the Cowboys’ ’90s dynasty—Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Deion Sanders, Larry Allen, Michael Irvin, and Charles Haley. But somehow, Woodson still isn’t on that list. Maybe next year.