Two years from now, Rod Woodson likely will return to Canton, Ohio, scene of the game tonight between the Steelers and New Orleans Saints.

He has the credentials to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2009 and become the first post-dynasty Steelers player to do so.

For now, Woodson works for the NFL Network, which will carry the game tonight nationally (KDKA has the local broadcast). He also is spreading the word as national spokesman for USA Football, which kicks off its promotions to "Play Football" on the broadcast tonight.

Although Woodson will not be in Canton tonight, he has some opinions about his former team. Most of those concern Ben Roethlisberger and offensive coordinator Bruce Arians' promise to put more on the quarterback's shoulders and perhaps throw the ball more often than in the past.

"Ben has to prove he can handle it," Woodson said. "They won a Super Bowl with Ben throwing 21 times a game. It sounds as though their philosophy is getting away from that. It's tough for teams to win and be consistent when they're throwing ball all time."

Arians has said he would like to use three and four wide receivers at times on first and second downs with Willie Parker the lone back. He also has empowered Roethlisberger to audible and to call plays in the no-huddle he plans to use more often.

"One question I had is Arians going to four wides and letting Ben make the checks," Woodson said. "I don't know where Bruce is going with it."

Having said his piece on the Steelers, Woodson spread the word on his new passion, promoting the game of football. As spokesman for USA Football, a non-profit group chaired by Jack Kemp and promotes the development of youth, high school and international amateur football. USA Football conducts coaching schools and officiating clinics nationally.

"Everyone says baseball is America's pastime; I think it's football," said Woodson, who moved his family from his longtime home in the Pittsburgh area to Oakland, Calif., to be closer to his job. "I have two kids playing youth football and being able to help other parents and coaches alike to understand the game more and the kids to enjoy the game more is nothing but positive for the NFL in the future."

USA Football, endowed by the NFL and its players association, is offering equipment grants of $500,000 to youth leagues and high school teams. The grant application can be found at USAFootball.com. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30. Free youth football team Web sites also are available through USAFootball.com.