One of the best defensive backs in NFL history is retiring.
Oakland Raiders defensive back Charles Woodson announced Monday that this will be his final season in the league. The future Hall of Famer has played in 18 NFL seasons for the Green Bay Packers and Oakland, where he will play his final home game this Thursday against the San Diego Chargers.
“It will be emotional. I’ve been emotional all day, so it will be that way Thursday for Raider Nation,” Woodson told reporters. “It was really fun coming back here and playing, so it will be a pretty emotional day.”
Woodson, 39, was drafted by the Raiders with the No. 4 pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. He spent his first eight seasons there before joining Green Bay for seven years. He made a triumphant return to the Raiders in 2013, where he switched from cornerback to safety for the remainder of his career.
The eight-time Pro Bowler has 65 interceptions and 976 total tackles in 252 career games. He says he still could lace up his cleats and play beyond 2015, but he felt the timing was right for his retirement.
“Honestly, I think physically I could do it — my body has responded,” Woodson said. “But mentally, it’s not there. It’s not gonna happen.”
Thumbnail photo via Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports Images
