Former Michigan linebacker Pierre Woods returned to Ann Arbor last week for the Brian Griese/Steve Hutchinson/Charles Woodson event to benefit Mott Children's Hospital, enjoying time spent with former coaches and teammates. The event held a special place in his heart given what he's endured over the last year.
Woods' mother, Tatum, has struggled with cancer over the last year, and Woods has fought to remain focused while also concentrating on his career with the New England Patriots. His mother is healing well from the disease, allowing Woods to exhale a bit during his fourth offseason.
"This is my first year at the event. They asked last year, but [Patriots teammate] Kevin Faulk has [a benefit] every year - he had it [a day earlier], so the past couple years, that's what I've been doing," said Woods. "But I think this is a great deal. I'm going to miss church, which I don't like doing, but to be out here with all these guys ? the camaraderie with the Michigan players and coaches, you can't ask for anything better."
Woods has found a home with the Patriots after leaving U-M, landing with an organization that shares some characteristics with his alma mater. He's become a favorite in his four years due to his work ethic and high motor and worked his way up to start five games last year, notching 25 tackles and 11 assists in 16 games.
Woods signed a one-year contract on April 19 to remain with the team and will battle several - including former teammate Shawn Crable - for playing time.
"The organization is great," he said in comparing the atmosphere to U-M. "Being up there, it's football and family. I've got great teammates ? of course Tom [Brady] is up there, Shawn Crable, and now we've got [punter] Zotlan [Mesko], a great addition -- somebody that's big and funny. I think he's going to bring a lot to that rookie class.
"Coach [Bill] Belichick is a great coach, all the assistants are great coaches ? you can't ask for anything better. It's tight knit. It's a no-nonsense type of program at Michigan, and the Patriots organization is no-nonsense. I've gotten the best of both worlds."
Especially being surrounded by so many former Wolverines. Crable is healing up and maintaining a positive attitude despite not having played in two NFL season due to injury, while Mesko will fit right in, Woods predicted.
"I've known Zoltan. I've been coming back, and Zoltan is an Ohio boy too, from Twinsburg," he said. "I talked to him before he came up here and when he was here. He's a great kid - I think he's going to be real good for us."
It will be good for both of the Ohio natives when the Wolverines start beating Ohio State again. The Buckeyes have won six in a row dating back to when Woods was still in Ann Arbor, but Woods insists U-M's day is coming.
"It will switch around. I'm not worried," he said. "Sometimes you've got to go down ? it's break you down and build you back up. That's all it is. Right now it's a rebuilding process, but they're going to be fine."
