By Darin Scott Woerner is more than just a name in Georgia Bulldogs history—he is one of the pivotal defenders and most electric special teams players who cemented the program’s 1980 National Championship victory and earned his place among the college football elite. His impact as a safety and a returner redefined the standards of defensive play and field position for the Bulldogs.
Football Bio
December 18, 1958 – Baytown, Texas – Scott Woerner, the University of Georgia Safety, was born. Scott is heralded as one of the greatest Bulldog defenders of all time, as he and his teammates went 12-0 in 1980 and won the National Title. The NFF tells us that Woerner was a First Team All-America selection as a senior. He made two key interceptions in Georgia’s win over Notre Dame in the 1981 Sugar Bowl for the national title. To his credit, Woerner had 13 collegiate career interceptions and 303 career interception return yards. He is widely considered to be the best punt returner in Bulldog history, as he set UGA records for career punt return yardage of 1,077 and his 488 yards in a season of punt return yards and 190 kickoff return yards in a game. This resulted in Scott being named twice as the University of Georgia’s Outstanding Special Teams Player of the season. The National Football Foundation selected Scott Woerner to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
Conclusion
Scott Woerner’s career at the University of Georgia stands as a testament to game-changing versatility. From sealing a National Championship with clutch interceptions to setting untouchable records as a punt returner, his legacy ensures that he remains one of the most celebrated and decorated players to ever wear the red and black.
Verified Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2016)
- National Champion (1980)
- First Team All-America Selection (Senior Year)
- 1981 Sugar Bowl Hero (Recorded two key interceptions in the national title game victory over Notre Dame)
- Career Interceptions: 13
- Career Interception Return Yards: 303
- UGA Record for Career Punt Return Yardage: 1,077 yards
- UGA Record for Single-Season Punt Return Yards: 488 yards
- UGA Record for Single-Game Kickoff Return Yards: 190 yards
- University of Georgia’s Outstanding Special Teams Player of the Season (Two-time recipient)
