The Miami Dolphins picked Woodley in the eighth round of the draft, and he quickly found himself thrust into the spotlight. As a rookie, he shared quarterback duties with Don Strock, a situation that became known as "WoodStrock." This dual-quarterback system was somewhat unconventional, but it allowed the Dolphins to leverage the strengths of both players. Woodley's mobility and ability to make plays with his legs complemented Strock's experience and passing skills.
In 1982, Woodley became the starting quarterback for the Dolphins. That season was shortened by a players' strike, but Miami managed to reach the playoffs. Woodley played a crucial role in the team's postseason success, leading the Dolphins to victories over the New England Patriots and the San Diego Chargers. His performance in the AFC Championship Game against the New York Jets was particularly noteworthy, as he helped secure a 14-0 victory, earning the Dolphins a trip to Super Bowl XVII.
Super Bowl XVII saw the Dolphins face off against the Washington Redskins. Woodley made history by becoming the youngest quarterback to start a Super Bowl at that time. He began the game with a 76-yard touchdown pass to Jimmy Cefalo, giving Miami an early lead. However, the Dolphins' offense struggled for the remainder of the game, and the Redskins ultimately won 27-17. Despite the loss, Woodley's early success in his career was evident.
The following season, Woodley's performance was inconsistent, and he faced competition from rookie quarterback Dan Marino, whom the Dolphins had drafted in 1983. Marino's emergence as a star quarterback led to Woodley being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1984. With the Steelers, Woodley hoped to revitalize his career, but he faced challenges, including injuries and competition for the starting position.
Woodley's time with the Steelers was marked by limited playing opportunities. He played in only a handful of games over two seasons, struggling to regain the form he had shown earlier in his career. After the 1985 season, Woodley retired from professional football.
Throughout his NFL career, Woodley was known for his athleticism and ability to make plays under pressure. Despite facing challenges and competition, he demonstrated resilience and adaptability. His journey through the NFL was marked by moments of brilliance and the challenges of maintaining consistency at the highest level of the sport.
After retiring from football, Woodley led a relatively private life.
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