Ask any football fan — Charles Woodson is a legend. But beyond his success on the field, he’s built a legacy of giving back to the community through the Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund and its signature fundraiser, Event on Main in Ann Arbor. With this year’s event just around the corner, we sat down with Woodson and his Event on Main partner, Scotty Passink, to learn why supporting this essential research is more important than ever.
Charles – you’ve made your Wolverine fan base so proud. What’s your favorite Michigan memory?
Charles Woodson: Ahh…that’s not an easy one! I’ve got so many great memories from my time at Michigan, but it’s hard to top beating Ohio State in ’97. The punt return, knowing we were headed to the Rose Bowl…man, I remember it all like it was yesterday. I didn’t realize putting that rose in my mouth would become such a classic photo, but it really did capture the moment.
A big goal of this magazine is to get people out in the community more. What’s your go-to Ann Arbor spot?
CW: I’ve got to go with Chop House. It’s one of those iconic Ann Arbor spots. Just about every time I’m back, I shoot a text to my guy right here — Scotty P! — and we make it happen. It’s tradition.
You’re a Heisman Trophy winner, NFL Hall of Famer, entrepreneur — and you’re a humanitarian. What inspired you to start the Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund, and what does it do?
CW: Coach Carr always told us, “Be a part of something bigger than yourself.” Visiting kids at Mott every Thursday had a huge impact on me. Those kids were facing things no child should have to face. It changed me, Griese, Hutch — all of us. Giving back and using our platforms for good was always going to be part of who we were.
As for what the fund does, our mission is to accelerate research that leads to better treatments, cures, and quality of life for kids and their families. Full stop. We do that in four ways: providing seed funding to help researchers explore bold ideas before pursuing major grants, like those from the NIH; recruiting and retaining top research talent; supporting infrastructure, like the Woodson Clinical Research Lab at Mott; and building a long-term endowment to ensure this work continues for generations.
I always say, “Build your legend,” and for everyone who donates to the endowment fund — that’s exactly what we’re doing together.
Tell us about Event on Main.
CW: Event on Main has grown and evolved over the years, but at its core, it’s a celebration. It’s a celebration of a year’s worth of generosity, of community, of hope. It’s not just about one night or one big donor — it’s about all of us, together, working toward something bigger for kids who need help.
Scotty Passink: Yeah, and honestly, the word “donor” doesn’t feel right anymore. We’ve become a family. We’ve shared stories, tears, laughs — we’re a team. Some have been attending for 10 plus years!
Scotty — you’re one of Charles’ closest friends, you help lead Event on Main, and you’re a townie with an incredible story.
SP: Haha, it’s true — I’m a townie. Born and raised in Ann Arbor. My mom, Mary, worked as the secretary for Bo Schembechler and every head coach up to Coach Harbaugh, so I spent my childhood around Michigan football — literally growing up at Schembechler Hall, before it was Schembechler Hall.
But, another part of my story is, I was born with cerebral palsy. It’s something I can’t change, and I’m reminded that a lot of people have it tougher than I do. I was lucky to have parents who never let me believe I couldn’t do something — and who made sure I had access to the care I needed at Michigan. I grew up in that locker room, and guys like Charles, Hutch, and Griese — they’re like brothers. I couldn’t do what they did on the field, but I learned to fight, mentally and physically. I’ve had 16 surgeries. This cause? It’s deeply personal. What Charles is doing could help someone like me. Outside of my parents, Charles has had the biggest impact on my life.
With all the recent headlines about research funding cuts, does that make this year’s event even more important?
CW: Without a doubt. The headlines are very real. The uncertainty around research funding is real. And that’s why what we’re doing matters now more than ever. One of our goals is to help Michigan become the top NIH-funded pediatric research institution in the country. This fund helps bridge the gaps, keep momentum going, and ensure critical research doesn’t stall. There’s too much at stake.
What’s one wish for this year’s event?
SP: Haha — no rain!
CW: I second that! But more than anything, I’d love for as many people as possible to be part of this moment. We have a real chance to make a lasting impact. So, Ann Arbor — come out, be part of the team, and help us move this mission forward. June 19 — let’s go!