South Carolina Football: Ranking the greatest Gamecock hidden gems in NFL Draft history
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Football's Greatest NFL Draft Hidden Gems:
No. 10 Cornerback Andre Goodman
Andre Goodman (Round 3, Pick 68; Detroit Lions; 2002 NFL Draft) overcame a gruesome knee injury while at South Carolina to become an All-SEC player and then an NFL Draft pick. Goodman battled some injuries during his pro career, as well, but he still was a really good player for a decade.
Playing with the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and Denver Broncos, Goodman started 95 games over a 10-year career. He was a defensive playmaker when he was healthy, snagging 19 interceptions and knocking away 95 other passes during his NFL playing days.
Goodman was good for a long time at a position that is not friendly to aging players. Despite coming into the league a little later than most players thanks to his college injury and redshirt (he was 24 for his first game), Goodman played 10 years at a high level, including starting every game of his final season in 2011 before retiring.
In that final season, the 33 year old cornerback picked up his only career pick-6 in a Denver win over the New York Jets, a game that is more famous for Tim Tebow's game-winning rushing touchdown in the final minute of the contest.
Overcoming his injuries and his later-than-hoped draft position as a 3rd rounder, Andre Goodman had a very good NFL career.