Chicago Bears Countdown to Kickoff: 21 Days with Donnell Woolford
By Peter Jurich
Donnell Woolford's Chicago Bears legacy and life after football
As a Chicago Bear, Woolford started in all 111 regular season contests that he was available for to the tune of 32 interceptions, two fumble recoveries, three sacks, and 552 total tackles. At the time of his retirement, Woolford's interception total ranked third highest in team history behind Gary Fencik and Richie Petitbon, but his total has since been eclipsed by Charles Tillman, making Woolford the current fourth-place leader in franchise interceptions.
Following his retirement from the NFL, Woolford received several awards and recognitions, specifically for his time playing in the Carolinas as a high schooler and college player. In 2021, Woolford was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and has remained close to the school, often serving as an honorary captain or a sideline guest for the team. Since the end of his professional career, Woolford returned to Clemson to finish his degree, strengthening the bond between the alum and the program.
Today, Woolford remains close to both the Carolinas and Chicago community, specifically through his work with the Donnell Woolford Foundation, a group that works alongside the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The foundation aims to "open doors of opportunity for today's youth", primarily in the communities where he spent the majority of his player career.
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Outside of his work in the community, Woolford has remained close to the game of football, primarily as serving as head coach for East Lincoln High School in Denver, North Carolina. He also briefly acted as co-owner of Fayetteville's local Mason Dixie Football League team. He remains close to his roots and resides in North Carolina with his family.