Josh Woods

Josh Woods Bio

Josh Woods is an American professional football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He was born on July 1, 1996, in Baltimore, Maryland. Woods has established himself as a versatile defensive player, transitioning from defensive back in college to linebacker in the NFL over his professional career.

Early Life and Background

Josh Woods was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended KIPP Baltimore (KIPP Ujima Village Academy) through eighth grade before continuing his education at McDonogh School for high school. Woods displayed exceptional athletic talent during his high school years, excelling as both a cornerback and wide receiver for the Eagles. His performance earned him first-team All-Metro recognition by the Baltimore Sun and first-team All-State honors as a senior. During that standout season, he made 35 tackles with four interceptions on defense while also catching 35 passes for 800 yards and 10 touchdowns on offense. His contributions helped McDonogh achieve an 11-0 record and capture its first MIAA state championship. Woods maintained an impressive academic record throughout high school, earning Academic All-American honors all four years and graduating with a 4.267 GPA.

Path to American Football

Rated as a three-star recruit, Josh Woods committed to play college football at the University of Maryland over offers from Virginia and Delaware. His high school success demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities on both sides of the ball, showcasing the athleticism and versatility that would become trademarks of his playing style. The transition from high school standout to collegiate athlete represented a significant step in Woods’ football journey, setting the foundation for his eventual move to professional football. His academic achievements alongside his athletic prowess positioned him for success at the collegiate level and beyond.

Josh Woods Career

Early Career (2018-2021)

Josh Woods began his professional football journey after going undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft. He signed with the Chicago Bears on June 7, 2018, after participating in a veteran mini-camp on a tryout basis. Despite being cut at the end of training camp, he was re-signed to the practice squad on September 2, 2018. Woods spent his rookie season on the practice squad while transitioning from defensive back to linebacker, adding 30 pounds to his frame during this development period. After a strong showing in the 2019 preseason, he made the Bears’ 53-man roster. Woods made his NFL debut on September 29, 2019, against the Minnesota Vikings, playing 15 snaps on special teams. He appeared in nine games during the 2019 season, recording five total tackles. In March 2021, Woods signed a contract extension with the Bears but was waived in September of that same year before being re-signed to the practice squad.

Chicago Bears Breakthrough (2018-2021)

During his time with the Chicago Bears, Josh Woods experienced a critical transition period in his professional development. The Bears organization recognized his potential and allowed him to develop his skills primarily on special teams while continuing to adapt to the linebacker position. This developmental phase proved crucial as Woods added significant weight and strength to his frame, enhancing his physical capabilities for NFL competition. His perseverance through the practice squad eventually earned him a spot on the active roster, marking an important milestone in his career. The experience with the Bears provided Woods with valuable NFL experience and the opportunity to learn from established professionals in the league.

Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals Era (2021-2023)

On September 23, 2021, Woods signed with the Detroit Lions off the Bears practice squad. He made immediate contributions with his new team before being placed on injured reserve on December 28, 2021. Woods demonstrated his resilience by signing a one-year contract extension with the Lions on February 22, 2022. In March 2023, he joined the Arizona Cardinals, continuing his journey as a versatile defensive player. During his time with the Cardinals, Woods continued to develop his linebacker skills and contribute to special teams units. However, his tenure with Arizona was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on December 20, 2023. These years with multiple teams provided Woods with diverse experiences and opportunities to demonstrate his adaptability across different defensive schemes.

Playing Style and Strengths

Josh Woods possesses a versatile skill set that allows him to contribute effectively on defense and special teams. His experience in the secondary during his college career gives him valuable coverage abilities that translate to pass coverage responsibilities as a linebacker. Woods demonstrates good instincts and football IQ, enabling him to read plays quickly and react accordingly. His athleticism and speed allow him to cover ground effectively in both pass coverage and pursuit of ball carriers. While primarily known for his special teams contributions, Woods continues to develop his skills as an inside linebacker, focusing on improving his tackling technique and recognition of offensive schemes.

Notable Events and Milestones

Throughout his NFL career, Josh Woods has reached several milestones that highlight his professional journey. His first NFL regular-season game appearance with the Bears in 2019 marked the beginning of his professional playing career. Woods has maintained consistency in his performance despite roster changes and position transitions. His ability to secure practice squad spots with multiple teams demonstrates the value organizations place on his versatility and special teams contributions. Woods reached the milestone of playing in multiple NFL cities, experiencing different organizational cultures and coaching philosophies, which has contributed to his development as a professional football player.

Josh Woods Career Wins

Josh Woods has built a professional football career marked by perseverance and adaptability. While known primarily for his special teams contributions, Woods has secured roster spots with multiple NFL organizations through his work ethic and versatility. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a consistent NFL player demonstrates resilience and dedication to his craft.

NFL Highlights

As an undrafted free agent, Josh Woods’ primary “wins” come in the form of roster consistency and professional longevity. He has successfully transitioned from defensive back to linebacker, adapting to the physical demands of the position while maintaining his value as a special teams contributor. Woods has secured contracts with four different NFL teams (Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, and Atlanta Falcons), demonstrating his ability to earn opportunities at the highest level of professional football. His most recent professional achievement was signing with the Atlanta Falcons practice squad in 2024 before being promoted to the active roster in December 2024.

Other Wins & Performances

Beyond his NFL career, Josh Woods achieved significant recognition during his college career at the University of Maryland. He appeared in 34 games with 14 starts at safety, recording 107 total tackles, two interceptions, eight pass breakups, and one forced fumble. Woods’ collegiate performance earned him recognition as a reliable defensive contributor. His high school accomplishments included leading McDonogh School to its first MIAA state championship while earning All-Metro and All-State honors. These achievements established Woods as a multi-sport athlete with both offensive and defensive capabilities that have served him well throughout his football journey.

Josh Woods Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Josh Woods has maintained a private personal life, with limited public information available about his family background or any potential football lineage. His early upbringing in Baltimore, Maryland, included attendance at KIPP Baltimore through eighth grade before moving to McDonogh School for high school. Woods’ family supported his educational and athletic pursuits throughout his development, helping him maintain his academic achievements while excelling in football. The Woods family values education, as evidenced by Josh’s impressive 4.267 GPA and Academic All-American honors throughout his high school career.

Personal Life

Outside of football, Josh Woods has cultivated a presence on social media, connecting with fans and sharing aspects of his professional journey. He is active on Instagram under the handle _wdsy_. Woods has demonstrated a commitment to both academic and athletic excellence throughout his life, maintaining a strong GPA while pursuing his football career at multiple levels. His journey from Baltimore to the NFL exemplifies dedication to his craft and adaptability in the face of professional challenges. Woods continues to develop as both a player and professional while representing various NFL organizations with versatility and determination.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season represents a new chapter in Josh Woods’ NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons. After joining the Falcons practice squad in September 2024 and being promoted to the active roster in December 2024, Woods enters the 2025 season with valuable organizational familiarity. The Falcons defensive scheme has provided Woods with an opportunity to continue developing his linebacker skills while contributing to special teams units. His previous experience with multiple NFL teams has equipped him with adaptability to different defensive philosophies, potentially positioning him for increased responsibilities in 2025. As the Falcons look to build on their previous season’s performance, Woods’ versatility and special teams expertise make him a valuable asset to the roster. His consistent professional development and experience across various organizations suggest he could play an expanded role in the Falcons’ defensive plans for the upcoming season.