In 1998, the Oakland Raiders selected University of Michigan Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson with their first pick of the draft, starting an illustrious Hall of Fame-worthy career. Woodson has been a consistently productive defensive back throughout his time in the NFL but has had a particularly great late career resurgence. With still setting career highs and the excitement going into this upcoming year because of coaching changes, the veteran continues his climb to the record books, with at least one more season for the black and silver.
Fansided Just Blog Baby explains how the 16 year veteran was able to perform at his peak this late in his career:
"In addition to setting further career milestones and bringing down four INTs, Woodson also set a career mark for tackles last year with 113. Becoming a player who has embraced being a physical safety since moving to the position to extend his storied career, which has paid off by making lists such as the NFLN's Top 100 which is one of the most prestigious rankings lists in the league."
Woodson was asked about the energy flowing through the organization after a season like his and the hires of head coach Jack Del Rio and defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. by Ibabuzz:
"From what I've seen so far, the vibe is crazy right now. A lot of positive energy coming from everybody in there. The great part about it is you have a lot of ex-players, so I think that energy is kind of innately there, because you have a lot of fiery guys, a lot of guys that have played in the NFL at a high level so they have that natural energy. . . . It's been great to talk to 'em and kind of see their vision. I think it's going to be a great year for us."
Can Woodson continue his late career resurgence the upcoming season? Will the Raiders turn it around with their new acquisitions? Tell us your thoughts below.
