Former USC Trojans defensive lineman Antwaun Woods announces retirement

Former USC Trojans defensive lineman Antwaun Woods announced on his Instagram account that he would be retiring from football. Woods was last seen on an NFL field in 2023 as member of the Arizona Cardinals.

Antwaun Woods hangs up the cleats

Antwaun Woods was critically acclaimed recruit from Woodland Hills, California. An All-American in high school, Woods decided to keep his talents in Southern California, signing with USC before the 2012 season.

Antwaun Woods was a member of the USC Trojans from 2012 to 2015. In his time at USC, Woods recorded 111 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 8 sacks. In his senior year, he earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors.

Woods was initially recruited by former Trojans coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin, of course, is now the coach at Ole Miss. After Kiffin, the Trojans had a revolving door at coach with interim stints; coaches on leave, fired, etc. Woods also played under Ed Orgeron, Steve Sarkisian and Clay Helton at USC. Despite the number of coaches during his time as a Trojan, Woods remained loyal to USC.

From there, Woods went undrafted in 2016 NFL draft. He signed his first NFL contract with the Tennessee Titans after the preliminary version. Woods did not see much action on the court and was mainly on the practice squad. He played one game in the 2016 season and had three total tackles.

After being waived by the Titans the following offseason, Woods signed with the Cowboys. Here he would experience his best years as a professional. From 2018 to 2020, Woods racked up 80 tackles in Dallas. After the 2020 season, he was waived by the Cowboys after they shored up their defense in the draft.

From there, Woods spent a year in Indianapolis with the Colts and then a year in Arizona with the Cardinals. The Cardinals would be the final stop in Wood’s career. He was released by Arizona after the 2022-23 season.

Woods announces his retirement on Instagram

Antwaun Woods announced on Thursday afternoon via his Instagram that he would retire from football.

“A great ride,” Woods wrote on social media. “I’m now enjoying this retirement life and raising these kids!”

Woods has been looking forward to a comeback in recent years. He announced today that he is no longer pursuing that. The now 31-year-old Woods is now starting a new chapter after football.