As excitement builds for the 2024 NFL Draft in Green Bay next week, Penn State fans can look forward to seeing a handful of their beloved Nittany Lions make their way to the big stage. But this year, there’s more than just the next generation of talent in the spotlight. Two legendary former Penn State players will be back at the NFL Draft, reliving the glory of their own careers by announcing selections in the second and third rounds.
The first is Willie Wood, a name that resonates deeply in both Green Bay and the NFL at large. Drafted in 1963 by the Green Bay Packers, Wood played an astonishing 12 seasons, spending the majority of his career in the iconic green and gold. His resume is nothing short of extraordinary: three NFL Championships, two Super Bowl victories in 1966 and 1967, and 27 interceptions to his name. Wood’s leadership and skill made him a Hall of Fame inductee in 2013, cementing his place as one of the game’s all-time greats. As a proud member of the Packers’ legendary defense, Wood will take the stage once more in Green Bay, where his own NFL journey began, bringing his legacy full circle as he announces picks for the second and third rounds.
Then, there’s Steve Wisniewski, a name synonymous with durability and dominance on the offensive line. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1989, Wisniewski’s rights were traded to the Oakland Raiders, where he would go on to spend his entire 13-season career. A rock in the trenches, Wisniewski started in all 206 games he played, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors. His presence was felt in every game, protecting quarterbacks and opening holes for running backs with a fierce intensity. Over the years, Wisniewski became an anchor for the Raiders’ line, and his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a testament to his enduring impact on the game. As Wisniewski prepares to announce draft picks in the upcoming draft, fans will get a taste of his unbreakable spirit once again.
The 2024 NFL Draft will surely be a moment of celebration for Penn State fans, but for Wood and Wisniewski, it will also be a powerful reminder of their unforgettable legacies and lasting impact on the sport.
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