When it comes to Steelers playoff trivia, there are few performances more underrated — yet historically significant — than what LaMarr Woodley did on January 5, 2008.
In a hard-fought AFC Wild Card game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Heinz Field, Woodley, then a rookie linebacker, set the Steelers’ single-game playoff sack record with four sacks in his postseason debut. While the game ended in a 31–29 loss, Woodley’s performance stood out and remains one of the greatest individual playoff efforts in franchise history.
The Setup: Underdogs at Heinz Field
The 2007 Steelers entered the playoffs with a 10–6 record and injury concerns throughout the roster. With veteran defenders like James Farrior and Casey Hampton leading the charge, few expected a young LaMarr Woodley — a second-round pick from Michigan — to be the breakout star.
But Woodley was ready for the moment. Rotating in behind veterans, he made every snap count.
The Record: 4 Sacks in a Single Playoff Game
Woodley tormented Jaguars quarterback David Garrard all night, finishing the game with 4 sacks — a feat no Steeler has matched in a playoff game before or since.
He constantly broke through double teams and edge protection, showing the same relentless pass-rushing style that would define his short but impactful career.
Despite the Steelers ultimately falling short, Woodley’s effort gave the team a chance. His performance immediately etched his name into the team’s postseason history books.
Woodley’s Playoff Dominance Was Just Getting Started
That game was only the beginning.
LaMarr Woodley would go on to become one of the most consistent postseason pass-rushers the NFL has ever seen. Here are some of the eye-popping numbers from his playoff career:
- 11 career playoff sacks in 8 games
- Recorded at least one sack in 7 consecutive playoff games
- Had 6 sacks during the Steelers’ 2008 Super Bowl run
- Notched 2 sacks in Super Bowl XLIII, helping Pittsburgh defeat the Arizona Cardinals
In fact, at the time, no other player in NFL history had more sacks in their first eight playoff games than Woodley.
Quote from Woodley Reflecting on His Streak
Woodley was always aware of his postseason reputation, but he remained team-first in his mindset.
“One streak ended at another team, because I had two in every playoff game and that ended. But now the other streak is still going with having one sack in every playoff game. It’s good, because that means that you’re around. I was telling somebody, ‘if I didn’t get a sack we would have still won the game.’ That’s the most important thing to me. It’s not all about just having the records. It’s about going out there and winning.”
That balance between personal dominance and team success is part of what made Woodley a quintessential Steeler.
Fan Recognition on Social Media
Woodley’s playoff numbers continue to pop up on social media anytime Steelers fans revisit dominant playoff defenses.
One tweet from @_Chuck puts it plainly:
“This is a reminder that LaMarr Woodley had 11 sacks in eight playoff games. He had two sacks in each of his first four postseason games …”
You can view the tweet here.
Why It Matters
In a franchise built on defense, LaMarr Woodley holds a postseason record that even legends like Harrison, Watt, Lloyd, or Kevin Greene couldn’t surpass. That alone cements his legacy in Steelers lore.
Though his career was shortened by injuries, Woodley’s peak — especially in the playoffs — was as dominant as any outside linebacker in team history.
His 4-sack playoff game in 2008 remains a high watermark not just for him, but for the entire franchise.
Final Thoughts
Steelers playoff trivia often focuses on Super Bowls and iconic moments, but it’s important to recognize the complete picture of excellence — especially the overlooked ones.
LaMarr Woodley’s record-setting performance against Jacksonville deserves a place right alongside the biggest moments in Steelers playoff history. It’s proof that even in defeat, greatness can still leave its mark.
