A. J. Woods Bio
A. J. Woods (born March 28, 2001) is an American professional football cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers and entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2024.
Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 184 pounds, Woods has built a professional career defined by resilience, moving between practice squads and active rosters across multiple organizations. He is a Super Bowl champion after spending time with the Philadelphia Eagles during their championship run.
Early Life and Background
A. J. Woods was born in Germantown, Maryland, on March 28, 2001. He grew up in the same Maryland community that shaped much of his early athletic development, attending Northwest High School in Germantown, where he first gained attention as a football prospect.
At Northwest High School, Woods was rated as a 3-star recruit, a mark that reflected his potential rather than immediate national fame. He originally committed to James Madison in 2018 before later switching his commitment to play for Pittsburgh, a decision that set the course for his collegiate career and ultimately his professional trajectory.
Path to American Football
Woods developed as a defensive back through his high school years, earning the kind of recruiting attention that gave him multiple college options. His initial pledge to James Madison showed early confidence in his ability to compete at the collegiate level, and his later switch to Pittsburgh indicated a desire to test himself in a Power Five conference.
That transition to the Panthers program became the foundation of his path to professional football. At Pittsburgh, Woods spent five seasons sharpening his coverage and tackling skills, preparing for the opportunity to compete at the highest level of the sport.
A. J. Woods Career
Early Career (2021–2024)
During his five-year college career at Pittsburgh, A. J. Woods appeared in 59 games, compiling 70 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, four interceptions, 25 pass breakups, and one forced fumble. Those numbers reflected a steady, durable presence in the Panthers secondary across multiple seasons.
After his senior season, Woods was selected to play in the East–West Shrine Bowl, an all-star showcase that gave him additional exposure ahead of the NFL Draft. Although he went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, his performance in college and at the Shrine Bowl kept his professional hopes alive.
Washington Commanders Breakthrough (2024)
On April 27, 2024, A. J. Woods signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional career. The opportunity came shortly after the conclusion of that year’s draft and represented his first NFL contract.
His time in Washington was brief, as he was released by the Commanders on August 27, 2024, during the early stages of roster trimming. The short stay, however, allowed him to remain in NFL circles and positioned him for his next opportunity.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2024–2025)
On September 10, 2024, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Woods to their practice squad, providing him a fresh start late in the year. Working behind a strong defensive rotation, he continued to develop his professional habits and remained ready for any call-up.
Woods won a Super Bowl championship when the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22 in Super Bowl LIX, capping a memorable postseason run for the organization. On February 14, 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract, signaling the team’s continued investment in his development.
On August 26, 2025, Woods was waived by the Eagles as part of final roster cuts, ending his time in Philadelphia after a championship season and a futures deal.
Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons Era (2025)
On September 24, 2025, Woods was signed to the Denver Broncos practice squad, marking his return to an NFL roster after his release from Philadelphia. His second stint with a new organization lasted less than a month, as he was released on October 18, 2025.
Just ten days later, on October 28, 2025, Woods signed with the Atlanta Falcons practice squad, where he continues his professional career. The move gave him another opportunity to showcase his coverage skills within a defensive system looking for depth in the secondary.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining milestone of A. J. Woods’s young career came in February 2025, when he earned a Super Bowl championship ring as part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The 40–22 win in Super Bowl LIX remains the headline achievement of his professional resume.
Beyond that championship, Woods has navigated five different team transactions within roughly eighteen months, a sequence that reflects both the volatility of practice-squad movement and his persistence in remaining on NFL rosters.
A. J. Woods Family
Personal Life
A. J. Woods maintains a presence on social media, including an active Instagram account, where he shares updates about his training and professional journey. Public information about his personal relationships, marital status, and family members beyond his parents’ Maryland roots remains limited.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a period of transition for A. J. Woods, beginning with his release from the Philadelphia Eagles in late August. He joined the Denver Broncos practice squad in late September, only to be released in mid-October before quickly signing with the Atlanta Falcons practice squad.
Throughout the year, Woods has remained a practice-squad contributor rather than a regular on active game day rosters, focusing on preparation, special teams readiness, and positional development. His experience with multiple organizations has given him exposure to several different defensive schemes within a single calendar year.
Looking ahead, Woods’s association with the Atlanta Falcons gives him an opportunity to compete for a longer-term role in their secondary. A strong finish to the 2025 season could position him for a more stable contract and a clearer path to consistent active-roster duties in the seasons to come.