Charles Woodson is back in the exact place where his career began. The cornerback was draft by the Oakland Raiders back in 1998 as the No. 4 overall player taken. He spent eight quality years with Raiders Nation before owner Al Davis decided to not give him a significant pay raise. Woodson walked away, signing with Green Bay for the 2006 season. Now, he is back in black and eager to prove why Reggie McKenzie has so much faith in him.
When Woodson was released by the Packers, he sat on the free agent market for months. The soon-to-be 36-year old, was on the wrong side of NFL. The aging veteran was viewed as all but done by most teams. After an injury-plagued season, the former Defensive Player of the Year could not get a team to take a chance on him, until the Raiders came calling. However, before that Woodson was forced to consider calling it a career.
"You're forced to think about it. The phone just wasn't ringing. I was sure-and I am sure-I can play at least another year, but if no one wants you, there's not much of an option. I hear what people have said. 'He can't run anymore.' 'He can't stay healthy.' All those things. Maybe I'm delusional. But I knew I could play. When I sat across from Reggie McKenzie, I told him that. I was sure I could give a team a good year. And even if I'm not going to play for a team that's supposed to win a Super Bowl this year, I like this staff, and I like the team," Woodson said.
The Raiders showed the faith in Woodson that he has in himself. He signed a one-year, $1.8 million deal to return. Humbled by the support of the fans, Woodson says he is ready to help rebuild the team that helped make him a strong player he is known as. He will likely be the starting free safety alongside Tyvon Branch. He will be a strong veteran presence on a young team and could help them have success in years to come.
Woodson might be right in saying the Raiders will not win a Super Bowl this year, but if McKenzie has it his way, the team will be contenders down the road. Woodson will be a key piece in helping make that happen.
