Charles Woodson resigned with the Oakland Raiders on another one year contract. Woodson is an original Raider who was drafted by Al Davis and company in 1998. After being released by the Packers more than a year ago, he must’ve thought “there’s no place like home”. But home is also where the heart is.
In Green Bay, he won the insurmountable Super Bowl ring. In Green Bay, he led a defense as MVP. In Green Bay, he turned his career around when the rest of the league, including Oakland, gave up on him.
Woodson dives over Detroit Lions for a pick six.
Charles Woodson should’ve stayed in Green Bay all the way. He is one of those “face of the franchise” game changers you don’t just cut. But today’s NFL looks at numbers, more specifically, the number on the birthday cake. There should be exceptions for certain people.
Some players have done so much for a city they deserve to be worked with rather than break up because of something so superficial. Still, it’s all about winning. And the late great Al Davis said it best, “Just win baby”. But Oakland really is the “Black Hole”. Players past their prime go there like senior citizens move to Miami. The timing wasn’t right. Wood is still a contender.
And the question is simple. Would Charles Woodson have made the Green Bay Packers better today?
For those who don’t know that was a rhetorical question, I’ll help out. Yes, Woodson turns 38 in October but do the math. Woodson played in all 16 games last year. He recorded 97 tackles, two sacks, an interception, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and a touchdown. Add up all the numbers, and what do they equal; a veteran leader who always finds the ball.
Compare that to either Packers safety who didn’t catch a ball all season. We should’ve welcomed him back with open arms. It’s very hard to imagine a Packers 25th ranked defense with Woodson on the field. But that’s what happens when couples split up, they miss each other.
Chances are he retires a Raider. But he’ll always be a part of the Packers Hall of Fame, part of the Cheeseheads’ hearts.
Alas, memories are all we have.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-ils7yAHko
Woodson might be wearing silver and black, but as a champion, he will always bleed green and gold. Thanks for the memories Wood.
