Hubbry Logo
Riq WoolenRiq WoolenMain
Open search
Riq Woolen
Community hub
Riq Woolen
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Riq Woolen
Riq Woolen
from Wikipedia

Tariq Woolen[1] (born May 2, 1999) is an American professional football cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UTSA Roadrunners and was selected by the Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft. Woolen made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2022.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Woolen grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and attended Arlington Heights High School. He was rated a three-star recruit and committed to play college football at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) over offers from North Texas, Houston, and Texas State.[2]

College career

[edit]

Woolen redshirted his freshman season at UTSA.[3] As a redshirt freshman wide receiver, he caught 15 passes for 158 yards and one touchdown.[4] Woolen started the first three games of his redshirt sophomore season before moving to the cornerback position.[5]

Woolen became a starter during his redshirt junior season and finished the year with 35 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks with four passes broken up and one interception.[6] Woolen had 25 tackles, 5 passes broken up, and one interception as a redshirt senior.[7] After the conclusion of his college career, Woolen was invited to play in the 2022 Senior Bowl.[8]

Professional career

[edit]

Pre-draft

[edit]

At the 2022 NFL Combine, Woolen ran a 4.26-second 40-yard dash, tied for third-best in the Combine history and fastest for a player over six foot.[9][10] Kevin Hanson of Sports Illustrated had Woolen ranked as the eighth best cornerback available in the draft.[11]Scouts Inc. listed Woolen as the ninth best cornerback prospect (81st overall) on their big board.[12] NFL.com media analyst Daniel Jeremiah had him ranked as the 10th best cornerback (79th overall) in the draft.[13] Cory Giddings of Bleacher Report ranked him as the 10th best cornerback prospect (84th overall) in the draft.[14] Josh Edwards of CBSSports.com had him ranked as the 13th best cornerback (89th overall) available in the draft.[15] NFL media analyst Lance Zierlein projected Woolen to be selected in either the second or third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

External videos
video icon Riq Woolen's 40 edges out Jalen Ramsey
video icon Woolen discusses 4.26s 40-yard dash
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 4+18 in
(1.93 m)
205 lb
(93 kg)
33+58 in
(0.85 m)
9+18 in
(0.23 m)
4.26 s 1.49 s 2.49 s 4.30 s 7.10 s 42.0 in
(1.07 m)
10 ft 11 in
(3.33 m)
12 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[16][17]

2022

[edit]

The Seattle Seahawks selected Woolen in the fifth round (153rd overall) of the 2022 NFL draft.[18] He was the 21st cornerback drafted in 2022 and was the second cornerback drafted by the Seahawks, following fourth round pick (102nd overall) Coby Bryant.

External videos
video icon Seahawks select Tariq Woolen No. 153
video icon Tariq Woolen post-draft press conference
video icon The Call: Seahawks call Tariq Woolen

On May 6, 2022, the Seahawks signed Woolen to a four–year, $3.99 million rookie contract that includes a signing bonus of $332,216.[19]

Throughout training camp, Woolen competed to be a starting cornerback against Artie Burns, Coby Bryant, Tre Brown, Mike Jackson, Justin Coleman, and John Reid.[20] On August 31, 2022, the Seahawks unexpectedly traded Sidney Jones to the Las Vegas Raiders, although he was expected to return as a starting cornerback. Head coach Pete Carroll subsequently named Woolen the No. 1 starting cornerback and paired him with Mike Jackson.[21]

On September 12, 2022, Woolen made his professional regular season debut and earned his first career start in the Seattle Seahawks' home-opener against the Denver Broncos and made one solo tackle during their 17–16 victory. On September 25, 2022, Woolen made four combined tackles (three solo), a pass deflection, and had his first career interception on a pass by Marcus Mariota to wide receiver Drake London during a 23–27 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.[22] In Week 4, Woolen recorded five combined tackles (four solo), a pass deflection, and returned an interception on a pass thrown by Jared Goff to tight end T. J. Hockenson 40–yards to score his first career touchdown on the opening play in the second half of a 48–45 win at the Detroit Lions.[23] In Week 5, he had his third consecutive game with an interception after picking off a pass thrown by Andy Dalton to wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith, while also recording four combined tackles (three solo), a pass deflection, and recovering a fumble as the Seahawks lost 32–29 at the New Orleans Saints. On October 16, 2022, Woolen made five solo tackles, a pass deflection, a fumble recovery, and had his fourth consecutive game with an interception on a pass by Kyler Murray as the Seahawks defeated the Arizona Cardinals 19–9 in Week 6. He became the only rookie over the last 10 years to have four consecutive games with an interception.[24][25] He was named National Football Conference Defensive Player of the Week for Week 6.[26] On December 4, 2022, Woolen collected a season-high seven combined tackles (six solo), set a season-high with three pass deflections, and had his sixth interception of the season on a pass thrown by John Wolford to wide receiver Kyren Williams during a 27–23 win at the Los Angeles Rams. He was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team and earned Pro Bowl honors.[27][28] He started in all 17 games in his rookie season with a total 63 combined tackles (46 solo), 16 pass deflections, and tied for most interceptions in 2022 with six.[29][30] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[31] Pro Football Focus gave Woolen an overall grade of 69.1 in 2022, which ranked 35th among 120 qualifying cornerbacks. He earned a coverage grade of 74.1 from PFF, ranking 25th among 120 cornerbacks.[32]

The Seattle Seahawks finished the 2022 NFL season second in the NFC West with a 9–8 record, clinching a Wildcard berth. On January 14, 2023, Woolen started in his first career playoff game and made three solo tackles and a pass deflection as the Seahawks lost 23–41 at the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Wild-card Game.

2023

[edit]

He returned as a starting cornerback under defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt in 2023 and was paired with rookie first-round pick Devon Witherspoon. He was inactive for the Seahawks' 37–27 victory against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3 due to a chest injury. In Week 11, he made three combined tackles (two solo), tied his season-high of two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass thrown by Matthew Stafford to wide receiver Austin Trammell during a 16–17 loss at the Los Angeles Rams. On November 30, 2023, Woolen collected a season-high eight solo tackles and had two pass deflections as the Seahawks lost 35–41 at the Dallas Cowboys. He finished with 53 combined tackles (42 solo), two interceptions, 11 passes defended, and two fumble recoveries in 16 games and 16 starts.[33] He received an overall grade of 67.1 from Pro Football Focus, ranking 53rd among all qualifying cornerbacks in 2023. His coverage grade of 75.0 from PFF was ranked 27th.[32]

2024

[edit]

On January 31, 2024, the Seahawks announced the hiring of Baltimore Ravens' defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as their head coach following the departure of Pete Carroll.[34] Defensive coordinator Aden Durde chose to retain Woolen and Devon Witherspoon as the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.[35]

On September 8, 2024, Woolen started in the Seahawks' home-opener against the Denver Broncos and made three combined tackles (one solo), two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Bo Nix to wide receiver Courtland Sutton during a 26–20 victory. He was inactive for two games (Weeks 6–7) due to an ankle injury.[36] In Week 14, he collected a season-high eight combined tackles (five solo) and broke up a pass during a 30–18 win at the Arizona Cardinals. On December 22, 2024, Woolen had two combined tackles (one solo) and a season-high three pass deflections during a 24–27 loss against the Minnesota Vikings. The following week, Woolen recorded one solo tackle, a pass deflection, and had a game-sealing interception on a pass by Caleb Williams to wide receiver D. J. Moore in the last 20 seconds in the fourth quarter of a 6–3 victory at the Chicago Bears in Week 17. He finished the season with 46 combined tackles (32 solo), 14 pass deflections, and three interceptions in 15 games and 14 starts.[37] He received an overall grade of 67.9 from Pro Football Focus in 2024.

NFL career statistics

[edit]

Source:[38]

Regular season

[edit]
Legend
Led the league
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast TFL Sck Sfty PD Int Yds Y/I Lng TD FF FR Yds Y/R TD
2022 SEA 17 17 63 46 17 1 0.0 0 16 6 47 7.8 40 1 0 3 8 2.7 0
2023 SEA 16 15 53 42 11 1 0.0 0 11 2 0 0.0 0 0 0 2 1 0.5 0
2024 SEA 15 14 46 32 14 0 0.0 0 14 3 11 0 7 0 1 0 0 0 0
2025 SEA 6 6 19 17 2 0 0.0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career 48 46 162 120 42 2 0.0 0 41 11 58 7.8 47 1 1 5 9 1.8 0

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast TfL Sck Sfty PD Int Yds Avg Lng TD FF FR Yds Avg TD
2022 SEA 1 1 3 3 0 0 0.0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career 1 1 3 3 0 0 0.0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Tariq Woolen, commonly known as Riq Woolen, is an American professional football for the of the (). Born on May 2, 1999, in , Woolen stands at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 210 pounds, making him one of the tallest s in the league. He played at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where he began his career as a before transitioning to during his senior year in 2021. Woolen was selected by the in the fifth round (153rd overall) of the after impressing at the with a 4.26-second , one of the fastest times among participants that year. In his rookie season, he quickly emerged as a standout, recording six interceptions—tying for the lead—and earning a selection, a rare honor for a fifth-round pick. Known for his elite athleticism and length, Woolen has since solidified his role in Seattle's secondary, contributing 14 pass deflections and three interceptions in the 2024 season while fending off trade rumors ahead of the 2025 NFL trade deadline.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Riq Woolen was born on May 2, 1999, in Fort Worth, Texas. He is the son of Jerome Woolen and Nola Davis, and has one older sister and one older brother. Woolen grew up in Fort Worth, a city known for its deep-rooted football culture, where community youth programs and high school athletics play a central role in shaping young athletes. His family encouraged participation in multiple sports from an early age, fostering his initial interests in football and amid the competitive sports environment of .

High school career

Woolen attended in , where he emerged as a multi-sport athlete known for his athletic prowess. During his high school years, he participated in football, , and track, demonstrating versatility across disciplines. In football, Woolen primarily played as a and occasionally contributed on defense. As a senior in 2016, he led the team with 31 receptions for 536 yards, averaging 17.3 yards per catch, and scored 10 touchdowns, earning first-team All-District 7-5A honors. He also recorded three solo tackles in limited defensive snaps that season. Woolen further showcased his athleticism in basketball, where he was a standout player for the Yellowjackets, contributing to the team's efforts and highlighting his speed and leaping ability that later translated to other sports. His involvement in multiple sports underscored his overall talent and physical gifts. Rated as a three-star recruit by major services, Woolen received scholarship offers from several universities, including Baylor, , , and San Diego State, primarily for his skills. He ultimately committed to the University of at San Antonio (UTSA) in December 2016, signing to play as a .

College career

Early years at UTSA

Woolen enrolled at the University of Texas at (UTSA) in 2017, joining the Roadrunners' football program as a after a high school career that showcased his versatility on offense. As a true freshman in 2017, Woolen appeared in one game before primarily redshirting the season to preserve eligibility while acclimating to the college level. As a redshirt in 2018, Woolen transitioned to a rotational role on offense, appearing in all 12 games with three starts. He finished the season with 15 receptions for 158 yards and one , providing depth to UTSA's receiving corps amid a 7-5 campaign. In his sophomore year of 2019, Woolen continued as a but saw reduced playing time due to increased competition, participating in nine games without a start. He recorded nine catches for 105 yards, contributing modestly to an offense that struggled in play during a 4-8 season. Throughout his initial two active seasons at UTSA, Woolen remained primarily on offense with no significant defensive snaps, focusing on development in the position before a later positional shift.

Transition to cornerback and breakout performance

In late 2019, during his redshirt sophomore season, Woolen transitioned from to at the request of UTSA coaches to address depth needs on the defensive side of the ball. Despite initial reluctance, he embraced the change to contribute to the team, drawing on his athletic background to adapt quickly. Woolen made an immediate impact in his first full season at in , appearing in 11 games with seven starts and recording 35 tackles—including 20 solo stops and 2.5 tackles for loss—along with one and four pass breakups. His performance helped solidify UTSA's secondary as the Roadrunners finished 7-5 and earned a berth in the . As a redshirt senior in 2021, Woolen emerged as a standout, starting all nine games he played before an injury sidelined him late in the season, and tallied 25 tackles (17 solo), 2.5 tackles for loss, one , five pass breakups, and one quarterback hurry. His coverage skills and physicality were key to UTSA's dominant defense, which forced 25 turnovers and limited opponents to 114.7 rushing yards per game on the way to a 12-2 record, a championship, and an appearance in the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl—though Woolen opted out of the postseason game to focus on preparation. His breakout campaign earned him an invitation to the 2022 Reese's , where he showcased his rare size-speed combination (6-foot-4, 205 pounds) against top competition. Scouts recognized Woolen as one of the premier small-school prospects in the draft class, praising his ball skills and upside despite coming from a non-power conference program.

Professional career

Pre-draft process

Riq Woolen demonstrated elite athletic traits at the 2022 in , where he measured 6 feet 4 inches tall and 205 pounds. He recorded a 4.26-second , tying for the fourth-fastest time in combine history across all positions and the fastest among defensive backs that year. His 42-inch ranked second overall at the event, highlighting his explosive lower-body power. Woolen opted not to participate in the , 3-cone drill, or 20-yard shuttle, focusing instead on his speed and jumping metrics to build on his college transition to . Following the combine, Woolen participated in the 2022 in , earning positive attention from scouts for his physical tools despite mixed practice performances against top competition. At UTSA's pro day on March 23, 2022, he conducted a limited workout that included 12 repetitions and position-specific drills, while meeting with representatives from several teams to discuss his development potential. These pre-draft evaluations amplified interest in Woolen as a raw but physically gifted prospect, particularly after his senior-year breakout with six interceptions at . Scouting reports consistently highlighted Woolen's imposing frame—6 feet 4 inches with 33⅝-inch arms—paired with rare speed that allowed him to cover deep threats effectively, but critiqued his inexperience, having played cornerback for only two college seasons after stints at wide receiver and safety. Analysts noted technical shortcomings, such as inconsistent footwork, ball-tracking issues, and below-average instincts in zone coverage, attributing them to his limited reps at the position. Despite these concerns, his athletic profile suggested significant developmental upside as an outside corner with press-man potential. Pre-draft projections positioned Woolen as a mid-round pick, typically in the third or fourth round, valued for his "boom" potential as a long-term starter if coached properly, though some scouts debated his readiness due to the transition from a smaller program like UTSA.

2022 season

Woolen was selected by the in the fifth round (153rd overall) of the out of the University of Texas at San Antonio. Despite being a late-round pick with a non-traditional path to the position, he earned a spot on the initial 53-man roster following and debuted in Week 1 against the . Injuries to starting cornerbacks opened the door for Woolen, who transitioned into a full-time starter by Week 5, showcasing his elite speed and ball skills. Over 17 games (11 starts), he amassed 47 combined tackles (30 solo), 14 passes defended, and 6 interceptions for 74 return yards, tying for the lead among cornerbacks. His interceptions highlighted a breakout rookie campaign, including two against divisional rival Washington in Week 6—one returned 42 yards for a —and additional picks versus the (Week 10), (Week 13), (Week 16), and Washington again in Week 18. Woolen's contributions bolstered the Seahawks' defense, which ranked fifth in the league in points allowed (20.1 per game) and third in total yards permitted (308.8 per game), helping secure a 12-5 record and the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. In the postseason, he recorded an interception in the Wild Card win over but the Seahawks fell in the Divisional Round to . For his performance, Woolen earned a selection.

2023 season

In 2023, Woolen solidified his role as a full-time starting for the , appearing in all 16 regular-season games with 15 starts. He recorded 53 total tackles (42 solo), 11 passes defended, and 2 interceptions, along with 2 fumble recoveries, marking a shift toward more consistent run support compared to his interception-heavy campaign. Despite the drop in turnovers from his league-leading 6 interceptions as a , Woolen's tackling efficiency improved, as evidenced by his contributions in limiting opponents' rushing success on his coverage . Woolen delivered several standout performances, including his first of the season in Week 8 against the , where he picked off quarterback in the red zone to halt a scoring drive. In Week 11 versus the , he secured his second by undercutting a deep trick-play pass from intended for , showcasing his ball skills and speed. Throughout training camp and practices, Woolen frequently matched up against elite , refining his technique against high-caliber route-runners and contributing to the Seahawks' secondary cohesion. Early in the season, Woolen dealt with a minor chest injury in Week 3 against the but missed no games, allowing him to maintain his starting role opposite amid adjustments in the Seahawks' defensive scheme under coordinator Dan Quinn. The secondary as a whole adapted to increased man-coverage responsibilities, with Woolen logging over 1,000 defensive snaps while helping limit quarterbacks to a 92.3 when targeted. The Seahawks concluded the regular season with a 12-5 record, clinching the title and the No. 2 seed in the conference playoffs. Woolen started in their wild-card loss to the , where he tallied 4 tackles before the 48-32 defeat ended Seattle's postseason run.

2024 season

In his third season, Riq Woolen solidified his role as a starting for the , appearing in 15 games with 14 starts. He recorded 46 combined tackles, including 32 solo stops, while leading the team with 14 passes defended and tying for the lead with three interceptions. These figures marked an improvement in his ball production compared to prior years, contributing to the Seahawks' defensive efforts amid a scheme shift under new coordinator , who emphasized more aggressive press coverage and physicality at the . Woolen's interceptions came at pivotal moments, including a Week 1 pick on quarterback to set an early tone for the secondary, a Week 9 interception of [Los Angeles Rams](/page/Los Angeles_Rams) passer intended for wide receiver during a divisional clash, and a Week 17 desperation-heave grab off rookie to help seal a late-season win. In a Week 3 mic'd-up segment against the , Woolen confidently noted opponents were "scared to throw my way," reflecting his growing reputation as a shutdown presence against elite receivers. His performance helped the Seahawks' defense rank among the league's top units in pass defense efficiency, allowing him to shadow top wideouts like those from the and effectively. As Woolen entered the final stages of his rookie contract— a four-year, $3.99 million deal signed in 2022— discussions around a potential extension began in the latter half of 2024, positioning him as a restricted free agent candidate for 2026 if no long-term agreement was reached. The Seahawks viewed his development as central to their defensive evolution, with Woolen logging over 800 snaps primarily on the boundary, adapting to Zimmer's man-heavy scheme that reduced underneath vulnerabilities from previous seasons. His versatility also included a forced fumble in run support, underscoring his all-around impact.

2025 season

In the 2025 season, Riq Woolen has appeared in eight games for the as of November 14, 2025, recording 25 total tackles (19 solo), six passes defended, and zero interceptions. His contributions have reflected a slower start compared to prior years, with limited ball production amid adjustments in the ' defensive scheme under coordinator Aden Durde. Woolen faced early challenges, including losing his starting role to cornerback Josh Jobe in recent weeks, which fueled trade speculation ahead of the November 4 deadline. However, he remained with the team after multiple inquiries from other clubs, delivering his strongest performance of the season in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders—a 38–14 victory where he earned an 82.7 PFF grade for his coverage and run support. In Week 10, he added three tackles and two passes defended in a 44-22 win over the Arizona Cardinals. No major injuries have sidelined him this year. Entering the final year of his four-year rookie contract signed with the in 2022, Woolen is earning a base salary of $1,100,000 in 2025, with no extension agreed upon yet. His resurgence has bolstered Seattle's secondary at a key moment, contributing to the team's 7–2 record and first-place standing in the , positioning the Seahawks strongly for playoff contention as they head into the second half of the season.

Career statistics and records

Regular season

Riq Woolen has appeared in 56 regular-season games over four NFL seasons with the , starting in 53 of them. His defensive contributions as a emphasize coverage skills, highlighted by a league-leading performance in interceptions during his rookie year. Tackles have remained consistent, averaging approximately 50 combined tackles per full season, reflecting his role in run support alongside pass defense.
YearTeamGGSCombined TacklesSolo TacklesAssisted TacklesSacksInterceptionsPasses DefendedForced Fumbles
2022SEA171763461706160
2023SEA161553421102110
2024SEA151446321403141
2025SEA87252050060
Career-565318714047011471
Woolen's statistical peak came in 2022, when he recorded 6 , co-leading the and earning honors, while contributing 16 passes defended. His interception total dropped to 2 in 2023 but rebounded to 3 in 2024, maintaining a career average of nearly 2 per season. Tackling has shown consistency, with combined totals between 46 and 63 across full seasons, underscoring reliable participation in defensive schemes. Cumulative career figures include 187 combined tackles and 11 through the first 8 games of 2025, with no sacks recorded as a coverage specialist. In terms of workload, Woolen has logged over 90% of defensive in each full season, enabling his involvement in both pass coverage and run defense without significant injury interruptions until a minor absence in 2025. His passes defended per game have hovered around 1.0, demonstrating sustained efficiency in disrupting receivers, though 2025 has seen a slower start with 6 through 8 games amid team adjustments.

Playoffs

Woolen made his postseason debut in the 2022 NFC Wild Card Round, as the faced the in a game that ended in a 17-41 loss for . In that game, he recorded 3 solo tackles and 1 pass defended, often matched against San Francisco's dynamic receiving corps including and . His coverage was tested early, allowing 3 receptions for 47 yards on 5 targets according to grading, but he contributed to the Seahawks' effort to limit the 49ers to just 41 points. Woolen's physical presence and recovery speed were notable in run support, helping to contain San Francisco's rushing attack led by . Through his limited playoff exposure up to the 2024 season, Woolen has totaled 3 tackles and 1 pass defended across 1 appearance, underscoring his role as a developing contributor in high-stakes games amid the Seahawks' postseason pushes. As of November 2025, the 2025 season's playoff qualification remains pending for .

Awards and honors

In 2022, Woolen earned widespread recognition for his breakout rookie performance, including selection to the (PFWA) All-Rookie Team after leading all rookies with six s. He also received NFC Pro Bowl honors as the only rookie cornerback selected that year, highlighting his immediate impact on the ' secondary. Additionally, Woolen was named the Defensive Rookie of the Month for October 2022, during which he recorded three s and seven passes defensed, contributing to his league-leading interception total for the season. Woolen finished as a finalist for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022, placing third behind winners from the Jets and Eagles, with his six interceptions tying for the NFL lead among all players and setting a franchise record for rookies. His exceptional athleticism was underscored at the 2022 , where he ran a 4.26-second —the fastest time for a since 2006—earning him the nickname "Riq the Freak" in media coverage for his rare combination of size, speed, and ball skills. Beyond major awards, Woolen has received consistent acclaim from analytics providers; for instance, (PFF) ranked him 25th among cornerbacks in coverage grade (74.1) following his 2022 season, and he appeared on the Players list at No. 91 for the 2023-24 campaign based on peer votes. No additional selections or team-specific honors have been reported through the 2025 season.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.