Free safety Charles Woodson signed a one-year contract extension with the Oakland Raiders Monday afternoon at the age of 38. The future Hall of Famer has had an amazing career and will see it continue in the silver and black where it all began.
Woodson was drafted by the Raiders back in 1998 and played with the Raiders until the 2006 season when he signed with the Green Bay Packers. He spent seven seasons with the Pack before returning to Oakland in 2013. He’s reached several accomplishments throughout his career including being named Defensive Player of the Year in 2009. He was also the first player in NFL history to have 50 interceptions and 20 sacks; the record was accomplished on November 20, 2014 as the Raiders defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in a game where Woodson came up clutch.
While age seems to always be brought up for Woodson, he doesn’t play like a 38-year-old. He’s flourished with the Raiders these past few seasons, proving age is just a number; he feels great and it shows on the field.
Since returning to the Raiders, Woodson has 210 combined tackles, 52 assists, three sacks, and five interceptions. In fact, C-Wood’s numbers from the 2014 rank rather high when looking at his career statistics. This, in part, has a lot to do with Oakland’s new defensive backs coach, Marcus Robertson, who has utilized Woodson to his strengths on the field. Once the Raiders promoted Robertson, it was only a matter of time before Woodson signed on for another year.
Woodson is not only still making plays on the field, but acting as a leader in the locker room. The Raiders have a lot of young talent and number 24 serves as an outstanding mentor for the youngsters to look up to and learn from. The way he goes about his business and handles himself on the field is respected and admired by several players around the league, and for the young Raiders to be able to work with him on a daily basis is extremely beneficial.
Both Derek Carr and Hall of Famer/Raider great Willie Brown were on hand as Woodson signed his contract extension Monday. The free safety has been one of the Raiders best players since he has returned and despite his age, is still making plays on the field as a top contributor.
In his 17 years in the NFL, the three-time All Pro and eight time Pro Bowler has played in 238 games while posting 1,281 tackles, 60 interceptions, 20 sacks, 33 forced fumbles, and 13 fumble recoveries.
Woodson’s amazing career will continue as he will play an 18th season in the NFL, something not many players can say, especially at such a high performance level. Charles Woodson is an ageless wonder, and the future Hall of Famer will continue his career with the silver and black.