Charles Woodson to hang ’em up at season’s end

Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) embrace after an NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. The Packers defeated the Raiders 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

You knew this would happen some time but it still takes you by surprise when it actually does. Oakland Raiders corner/safety Charles Woodson has announced that this season, is his last. He has finally had enough after 18 years of the absolute physical grind that is an NFL football season.

The 1998 1st-round pick of the Raiders, is playing in his 11th year with the team, having played seven with the Green Bay Packers. Woodson led the NFL in Pro Bowl voting this year so that will be his last game. It will be Woodson’s eighth Pro Bowl to go with three All-Pro teams he was named to.

Woodson was also the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1998 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2009. His five interceptions this year have him up to 65 in his career, tying for No. 5 all-time. His 11 interceptions returned for touchdowns have him tied with Darren Sharper for No. 2 all-time.

His 13 defensive touchdowns have him tied with Rod Woodson for the most in NFL history. Along with Hall of Fame corner Darrell Green, Woodson has at least one interceptions in 18-straight seasons. And he’s the only one in NFL history that has 50 career interceptions and 20 career sacks.

Woodson’s remarkable skill-set could, still can and has done it all as a defensive back in the NFL. He can cover a man, cover a zone, play the run and blitz from the corner or safety position. He has to be the hands-down greatest defensive back to ever play in the NFL with all he’s done at corner and safety.

We’ll see him in a few years putting on one of those gold jackets!