Retired NFL Great, Donnell Woolford, built the foundation of his sports career in his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina at Douglas Byrd High School. He was a three-sport star at Douglas Byrd where he starred in football, basketball, and track. He went on to Clemson University where he was known as one of the best cornerbacks in Clemson history and was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the nation’s top defensive player. Donnell was also a two-time All American while at Clemson and was voted one of the Greatest Clemson Tigers of the 20th Century, and subsequently in the Clemson Hall of Fame.
As a first round draft pick for the Chicago Bears in 1989, Donnell started every game from 1989-1996 before being traded to the Steelers. He ranks third in the Bears history with 32 career interceptions. Donnell was a three-time All-Madden Team Member and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 1993. Donnell finished his pro career with the Carolina Panthers.
Since retirement from professional football due to a career ending knee injury, Donnell returned to his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was co-owner of the Fayetteville Ruff Riders football team from 2004-2005, which is part of the Mason Dixon Football League and was recently nominated for the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.
Donnell continues to support his hometown community by mentoring and coaching the local youth as part of the annual Jimmy Raye Clinic and supports several other non-profit organizations within the community and across the nation. Recently, Donnell was inducted to the 2009 Sports Legends Hall of Fame. This organization is supported by the United States Army and is a mentoring program for youth of all ages. He has also donated land in Hope Mills, North Carolina as a contribution to the building of World Faith Ministries.
Inspired at an early age by the opportunities provided to him by The Boys and Girls Club, Donnell became empowered by his philanthropic drive, and is now building a new type of foundation, The Donnell Woolford Foundation (DWF). DWF is a nonprofit organization devoted to various charitable causes. Donnell remains passionate about opening the doors of opportunity for today’s youth, and giving back to society in general, whether it is for cancer research or for scholarship grants. He is on a mission, and feels truly blessed to be provided such wonderful opportunities in his life. He sincerely hopes through DWF and community support, he can do the same for others.
