As a four-year letterman and two-year starter at outside linebacker, the team posted a 51–3 record during his three seasons, winning a pair of state championships.

[6][7] Throughout training camp, Woodyard competed for a job as an outside linebacker against Boss Bailey, Nate Webster, Jamie Winborn, Louis Green, Jordan Beck, and Spencer Larsen.

[8] Head coach Mike Shanahan named Woodyard the backup weakside linebacker behind D. J. Williams to start the regular season.

Woodyard competed against Mario Haggan, Braxton Kelley, and Lee Robinson for a roster spot as a backup inside linebacker.

[14] Head coach Josh McDaniels named Woodyard the backup inside linebacker behind D. J. Williams and Andra Davis to start the regular season.

[19] Throughout training camp, Woodyard competed for a job as a backup inside linebacker against Akin Ayodele, Joe Mays, and Nick Greisen.

On September 20, Woodyard was featured in a press conference held by the Broncos after their wide receiver Kenny McKinley committed suicide the day prior.

[26] The following week, Woodyard recorded five solo tackles and made his first NFL sack on quarterback Philip Rivers during the Broncos' 33–28 loss to the San Diego Chargers.

[33] Woodyard entered training camp slated as the starting weakside linebacker after D. J. Williams was suspended for six games for failing a test for performance-enhancing drugs.

[35] Woodyard started the Broncos' season-opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers and recorded a career-high 12 solo tackles and sacked Ben Roethlisberger during their 31–19 victory.

[38] Woodyard was inactive for the Broncos' Week 14 victory at the Oakland Raiders due to an ankle injury he sustained the previous game.

[42] On January 12, 2013, Woodyard started in his first NFL playoff game and recorded seven solo tackles in the Broncos' 38–35 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional round.

On August 20, 2013, starting strongside linebacker Von Miller was suspended for the first six games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

[55] Woodyard became an unrestricted free agent in 2014 and attended visits with the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans, while also receiving interest from the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens.

[58] Woodyard made his Titans debut in their season-opener at the Kansas City Chiefs and recorded five solo tackles and sacked Alex Smith during a 26–10 victory.

[61] Throughout training camp, Woodyard competed against Avery Williamson, Zach Brown, and Zaviar Gooden for a job as the starting inside linebacker.

[62] Head coach Ken Whisenhunt named Woodyard the backup inside linebacker behind Avery Williamson and Zach Brown to start the regular season.

[63] During Week 2, Woodyard made two solo tackles, sacked quarterback Johnny Manziel, and forced a fumble in a 28–14 loss at the Cleveland Browns.

[65] On October 18, 2015, Woodyard recorded a season-high ten combined tackles (eight solo) and sacked quarterback Ryan Tannehill during a 38–10 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

[68] Woodyard entered training camp slated as the starting left inside linebacker after Zach Brown departed for the Buffalo Bills in free agency.

[6][74] Head coach Mike Mularkey named Woodyard the starting inside linebacker after Sean Spence departed for the Indianapolis Colts in free agency.

Woodyard's forced fumble occurred late in the fourth quarter when he stripped the football from Melvin Gordon on the goal line and teammate Jurrell Casey made the recovery.

[88] Woodyard, decked out in full uniform, picked up a young boy encouraging the Titans prior to the team's game against the Detroit Lions and carried him a few steps.