Raiders' Charles Woodson Ready To Stick It To Former Team In Week 15
By Abraham Gutierrez
Even though he will likely go into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as an Oakland Raider, it would be impossible to dismiss the fact that Charles Woodson became a Super Bowl champion as a member of the Green Bay Packers. This week, as the Silver and Black prepare to host the cheese heads in the East Bay, the ageless wonder had some choice words for his former team.
"Father Time is definitely undefeated, that's for sure," said the Raiders safety. "But does it feel good to have some people eat their words about what they said about me as a player? Yeah, that's fun."
For those who don't know, the former Heisman Trophy winner is alluding to the way the Packers organization decided to release him in 2013. Citing age and durability as the reasons for his dismissal, Mike McCarthy & Co. certainly did not expect Woodson to have the type of revival he's had in his second stint in Oakland.
"It definitely stung, because I did anticipate finishing my career there [in Green Bay]," added the 2009 NFL Defensive Player of The Year. "So when you get the call and it's officially over, yeah, that definitely hurts."
Having missed all but one start this season, the ageless wonder is having yet another Pro Bowl-caliber year. No. 24 comes into Week 15 leading the Raiders in the interception department with five, which is also good enough for a third-place tie in the National Football League. Woodson is also third on the team in tackles with 62 (49 total, 13 assist), has registered nine defended passes and even has a fumble recovery to his name.
Nevertheless, even as impressive as his stats are at the age of 39, his biggest contribution cannot be quantified. In his 18th season out of Michigan, the former Wolverine standout is the heart and soul of the Raiders defense. He's not only made his presence felt on the field, but also leads by example, as he's been able to play through pain despite suffering shoulder injury in Week 1.
"To me, this is the best thing in the world to be doing," he said. "Regardless of age or what I've done and accomplished, I still have a great deal of fun."
As the Packers prepare to march into the O.co Coliseum Sunday afternoon, Raider Nation will be eager to see Woodson can accomplish something missing from his stellar NFL career: Picking off Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Also this week, the beloved Raider was forced to addressed this very same question. However, in contrast to his feeling regarding the organization, he was a little more tactful when talking about getting one back on his former teammate and good friend.
"I'll say the same thing I said during Peyton week: It was great to get Peyton, but I don't want to make [intercepting] 'A-Rod' bigger than what it'll actually mean for the game," Woodson explained. "But to get one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game? Of course. Who doesn't want that action?"
Abe Gutierrez's (Twitter: @GutierrezAbe) passion led him to ditch law school journey in order to launch his own publishing company. His expertise make him a valued addition to Examiner.com, AXS.com and the CBS-Sports family. Some of his work can be found on CBS-Miami (Dolphins), CBS-LosAngeles (Chargers), CBS-BayArea (Raiders), CBS-NewYork (NY Jets), CBS-TampaBay (Buccaneers), AXS.com, Examiner.com and other online publications.