Woodson Forced To Sideline In Wine War

Packers cornerback forced to watch Jets create own wine while Woodson is restricted from promoting own vintage.

As if Charles Woodson needed more motivation when the Packers head to New York to face the Jets on Halloween this season.

Jets head coach Rex Ryan gave Woodson all the motivation he needed when he went out of his way to mock the Green Bay Packers defense when Woodson was voted as the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year ahead of the Jets' Darrelle Revis who finished second on the ballot.

“I would like to congratulate the people that voted for Darrelle Revis," said Ryan last season. "These guys obviously really know the game. You've got to look at all the numbers, not just a number about this, or this stat or that stat. A number I think is interesting would be eight. And no, that's not the amount of touchdown passes Green Bay gave up against Arizona. That is the number of touchdown passes we gave up all season. And the biggest reason for that is Darrelle Revis."

Now comes this slap in the face. New York's AFC franchise has unveiled Jets Uncorked, a cabernet sauvignon available by pre-order to commemorate their inaugural season in the team's new stadium.

Meanwhile, Woodson has been forbidden from promoting or endorsing his own wine label, TwentyFour, in any way, shape or form upon request from the NFL league's offices according to Wine Spectator. The irony is, as both Wine Spectator and the Atlantic's Joshua Green point out, that NFL games–both on TV and in person–are inundated with advertisements and sponsorships from beer.

Woodson is scheduled to attend a wine tasting event for his own label at an event held in Troy, Mich. tomorrow evening. It's up for speculation whether such an appearance is in violation of the league's mandate that he not promote his product.

As for the Packers' upcoming game against the Jets this season, Woodson wouldn't admit to any extra motivation provided by Rex Ryan in an interview in the forthcoming Maple Street Press Packers Annual. Whether the new wine debate adds any fuel to the fire is up for debate as well.

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Comments (14)

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Erik's picture

July 07, 2010 at 10:34 am

I'm assuming the reason the Jet's wine was allowed is because the NFL is getting a slice of that pie?

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Aaron's picture

July 07, 2010 at 11:20 am

Among other things.

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Don Gillespie's picture

July 07, 2010 at 11:39 am

I attended a 24 event in Kenosha to Benifit the Mahone Foundation. Woodson was engaging, astute on the wine topic as entertaining with some football quips. The highlight was the 24 wine that was being sampled this is a good product and holding the wine tasting in conjunction with a chairity fundraising should help Charles circumvent the rule

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Pack Morris's picture

July 07, 2010 at 11:54 am

That Jets game might be amazing. Here's hoping that not only does Woodson play well, but that Rodgers lights up their defense. Of course you want that in any given game, but Rex's post-game interview would be either satisfyingly meek or hilariously... defensive.

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CSS's picture

July 07, 2010 at 12:24 pm

Rex Ryan is a blown up (figuratively and literally) version of his father, buddy: Bravado, bluster and bullshit. His thrist for the limelight (soundbites, HBO's hard-knocks, et.) will blow up in his face.

Here's a prediction for the game: Packers by 10. Jet's are below average at the QB position and the offensive line takes a step backwards. They won't spend more than 5 total minutes in the red zone unless the Packes turn it over or special teams lays an egg.

Part of me enjoys Rex Ryan and his character/persona; the other part of me wants every opponent they play to spoon feed him some humility.

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PackersRS's picture

July 07, 2010 at 02:35 pm

The thing about the Jets is, like the Ravens, they're a great team, but one that fits perfectly for what we do.

They don't spread the field. They run the ball. Which we are great against. Their QB throws loads of ints. And every time we intercepted, we won.

Even at NY, I fully expect a W.

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CSS's picture

July 07, 2010 at 02:39 pm

That's why I say, 'Packers by 10'. Capers 3-4 is built on stopping the run and forcing favorable down-and-distance. I believe the Jets offensive line takes a step backwards this year and, against the Packers, will need Sanchez (who I believe will never be anything more than 'servicable') to move the chains.

Both teams show up healthy, Packers by 10.

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NyPacker's picture

July 07, 2010 at 01:05 pm

Wow as a NYC resident I can't wait for this game. And it's on halloween too, I hope our team gives Ryan nightmares.

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PackersThad's picture

July 07, 2010 at 03:49 pm

I'm going to be at that game! Section 106, Row 5 on the field level!! I forgot my seat number. Is anyone else going to be at that game??

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Asshalo's picture

July 07, 2010 at 07:16 pm

If I had to guess, I would say the Jets don't live up to expectations. They barely made the playoffs last year and the media had pity for Ryan after he admitted to crying in front of his team after a loss. I'll give them credit for beating the Bengals, but Nate Kaeding won the AFC division game for them. They better win this year though because they have A LOT of contracts coming up this off-season that they won't be able to pay.

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ACDC84's picture

July 07, 2010 at 09:41 pm

I initially liked Rex Ryan as an NFL coach, as he seems to have a fun, engaging personallity, which is alot more entertaining to listen to than MM's boring press conferences.

I changed my mind "just a tad" after he ripped the voters for AWARDING the DPOY honors to Woodson. I'm all for a coach endorsing his own player, but I would have hoped he could have prefaced his comments with "Don't get me wrong, Charles Woodson is an outstanding football player, but...". Giving some well-deserved respect won't prevent you from being an entertaining personality.

As for the arguement, the voters got it right. If the award was for the best pure cover corner, Revis would probably deserve that award. Woodson can give up some receptions, and from what I've read Revis is barely ever thrown at. BUT, I think its clear that Woodson made more of an impact last year than Revis. He covered #1 WRs, slot WRs, TEs, and even played some safety. He forced fumbles, blitzed effectively, and made big tackles. I know its just one play, but I'd love to see Ryan watch Woodson trip up McGahee at the goalline for a loss and not pay him a compliment.

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CJ in Guatemala's picture

July 08, 2010 at 09:16 am

Wasn't it Ray Rice? Anyway i fully remember dropping my jaw to the floor after watching that play, i mean he was superman flying around just to stop the runner.

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PackerAaron's picture

July 08, 2010 at 09:31 am

Nope, ACDC is right. It was McGahee.

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nerdmann's picture

July 08, 2010 at 12:24 am

Why did he name it "Twentyfour?"

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