Dwayne Woodruff

Dwayne D. Woodruff is a remarkable figure whose career has spanned professional football, law, and civic leadership. He is a man who achieved success on the field as a tough, intelligent cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and later off the field as a respected judge and community leader in Pennsylvania.

A three-sport standout at New Richmond High School (OH), where he led the Lions to the Clermont County League Championship, Woodruff accepted a scholarship to the University of Louisville to play football. At Louisville, after playing running back and wide receiver during his first two seasons, he switched to defensive back where he became a standout known for his sharp instincts, speed, and physical style of play. He totaled 166 tackles (90 solo, 76 assisted), three interceptions and three fumble recoveries in his final two seasons in the Cardinals’ secondary, helping Louisville to an appearance in the 1977 Independence Bowl. He was later named to the Cardinals’ Ring of Honor and Athletics Hall of Fame.

A sixth-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1979, Woodruff was considered a long shot to make a team fresh off multiple Super Bowl championships. But his determination and skill earned him a roster spot, and he quickly proved he belonged. By 1981, he had worked his way into the starting lineup and became a fixture in Pittsburgh’s secondary throughout the 1980s.

Woodruff played his entire 12-year NFL career (1979–1990) with the Steelers, appearing in 166 games. He intercepted 39 passes and recovered 4 fumbles, returning 5 for touchdowns.  He became known for his ability to read quarterbacks and make timely plays in critical moments. He was named the Steelers’ MVP in 1982 after leading the AFC in interceptions, a testament to his leadership and performance during a strike-shortened season. He went on to lead the Steelers in interceptions four more years (1985, 1987, 1988, 1989). He was awarded the Ed Block Courage Award in 1987 for his remarkable comeback from a career threatening knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 1986 season. Woodruff played on playoff teams and became a bridge between the legendary 1970s Super Bowl “Steel Curtain” squads and the next generation of Steelers football.

What makes Woodruff’s story particularly extraordinary is that he pursued his law degree while still playing in the NFL. He attended Duquesne University School of Law at night and earned his Juris Doctor in 1988, while still an active player. He became an associate attorney of the Meyer Darragh law firm, having the unprecedented distinction of practicing law and playing in the NFL simultaneously for 3 years. In 1997, he became a founding member of the law firm Woodruff & Flaherty in Pittsburgh.

Woodruff was elected in 2005 to be a Judge in the Court of Common Pleas in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and has presided primarily in the Family Court Division. He announced his candidacy for the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in November 2014 but was unsuccessful. He was, however, elected to a second, ten-year term on the Court of Common Pleas in the general election in November 2015, leading the slate of all eight judges, who were up for retention, with the highest vote totals. He was re-elected for another 10-year term in 2025.

Never forgetting the impact the University of Louisville had on his life and career, in 2007 he and his family established the Woodruff Academic Center for student-athletes at Cardinals’ stadium.

Dwayne Woodruff’s life is a model of excellence, discipline, and service. From his college days at Louisville to his successful NFL career with the Steelers, and finally to his influential role in the courtroom, he has excelled in every arena he’s entered. His legacy reflects not just athletic achievement but a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Images from PoliticsPA and 1985 Topps trading card. Biography by Chris Aldridge.