All good things must come to an end. The same theory can be proven for NFL superstars who had legendary careers. One prime example of this is Oakland Raiders safety Charles Woodson. Yesterday, Woodson announced to the media and his fans that he will be hanging up the cleats after this 2015 NFL season. In his press conference, he went to say this to the media:
2015 is going to be my last season playing in the NFL.”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. It’s been an incredible career man. It goes beyond words. You know I never intended on playing as long as I have. But it’s the way that it has happened.
Woodson will be walking away from the gridiron as one of the games most versatile, talented and decorated athletes in history. In 1997, he beat out Peyton Manning to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy award, the first and only primarily defensive player to ever accomplish this as a Michigan Wolverine. In the following year, he was drafted 4th overall by the Oakland Raiders. With a total of 64 tackles and 5 interceptions, Charles was named AP Defensive Rookie Of The Year and to his first Pro Bowl. He continued to add more accolades to his storied 17 year career. Along with being a Super Bowl XLV champion, Charles was able to play in the Pro Bowl seven more times, was named first team All-Pro four times and was named 2009 AP and NFL Defensive Player Of The Year. The 39-year-old still remains as the only defensive player to record 50 interceptions and 20 sacks in his career. Football fans, don’t be surprised when you see this Fremont, Ohio native has his own statue and jacket on display in Canton, Ohio. The real question is all in the matter of when it will happen. Until then, congratulations goes out to Woodson as he will continue to leave it all on the field to help his 6-8 Raiders squad earned a Wild Card spot.