Raiders veteran S Charles Woodson announced in a press conference Monday night that he’ll be retiring after the season.
“2015 is going to be my last season playing in the NFL,” Woodson said. “Was it a tough decision? Kind of in a way. But a couple weeks ago it hit me that this would be it. It’s important for me to let Raider Nation know now.”
Woodson said that from a physical standpoint, he could play another year, but the mental aspect is too much for him.
“Honestly, I think physically I could do it — my body has responded. But mentally, it’s not there. It’s not gonna happen,” Woodson said.
Woodson, 39, was taken with the No. 4 overall pick by the Raiders back in 1998. He spent the first eight years of his career in Oakland before signing on with the Packers as an unrestricted free agent in 2006.
The Raiders needed a veteran presence a few years ago, and elected to bring Woodson back to Oakland to help their young nucleolus.
Even at his advanced age, Woodson has still been an effective player for the Raiders.
During his 18-year career, Woodson recorded 976 tackles, 20 sacks, 33 forced fumbles, 18 recoveries, 65 interceptions, and 13 defensive touchdowns.
Woodson is an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, a four-time first-team All Pro, a three-time second-team All Pro, the Rookie of the Year in 1998, and the 2009 Defensive Player of the year. He’ll be a first-ballot Hall of Famer once he’s eligible.
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