Charles Woodson, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and former NFL player, has made history by becoming the first Black former player to secure an official spirit sponsorship with an NFL team.
Woodson’s bourbon brand, Woodson Bourbon Whiskey, has been named the official bourbon of the Las Vegas Raiders, marking a significant milestone in the industry.
A Celebrated Career and Entrepreneurial Ventures
Woodson, who was drafted by the Raiders in 1998 and played for the team until 2006, before signing with the Green Bay Packers until 2013 and then returning to the Raiders to end his career, had a storied NFL career. He won the Defensive Player of the Year Award, a Super Bowl championship, and four first-team All-Pro honors during his time with the Raiders and Packers.
After retiring in 2015, Woodson ventured into the spirits industry, launching Woodson Bourbon Whiskey. The brand, which uses ultrasonic waves to accelerate the aging process, sources its bourbon from Kentucky and completes the final processing in barrels from Woodson’s Napa Valley wine brand at its facility in San Diego.
Groundbreaking Partnership with the Las Vegas Raiders
In August 2023, Woodson Bourbon Whiskey achieved a significant milestone by partnering with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Under the terms of the deal, the whiskey brand will become the official bourbon of the Raiders, with its products being sold across concession stands in Allegiant Stadium. Moreover, the brand will also open a Woodson Bourbon Whiskey branded bar in the Shift4 Club.
Celebrating Raider Nation and Woodson’s Legacy
Woodson expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “I used to jokingly say that Woodson Bourbon Whiskey was the official bourbon of Raider Nation, but now I can say it with my chest.
Woodson Bourbon Whiskey is the official bourbon of the Las Vegas Raiders and Allegiant Stadium.” He also thanked the Raiders’ leadership, including President Sandra Douglass Morgan, for the opportunity to bring his brand to Raider Nation.
Douglass Morgan echoed Woodson’s sentiments, saying, “We are elated to partner with Charles Woodson and Woodson Whiskey. Charles is a Raiders legend, and we’re looking forward to bringing Woodson Bourbon Whiskey to Raider Nation and our guests at Allegiant Stadium.”
This historic partnership marks the first time a company owned by a former professional NFL player has become the official spirit sponsor of an NFL team, cementing Woodson’s legacy as a trailblazer both on and off the field.
