Poll: Will Charles Woodson retire after this season?
Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) celebrates his fourth quarter interception against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Will Charles Woodson retire after this season? JBB’s Wednesday poll asks that tough question to the Raider Nation.
Thanksgiving already came and went, but Charles Woodson gave Oakland Raiders fans another few reasons to be grateful.
Against the bitter AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs, Woodson created two turnovers that kept the Raiders in the game.
As the oldest-active defensive player, Woodson registered 5 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 60 tackles through 12 games.
Considering the decline in play of great athletes like Kobe Bryant and Peyton Manning, the Raiders should be happy to see Woodson playing at such a high level.
Could Woodson finally walk-off into the sunset after this season?
Woodson addressed that elephant in the room with Sports Illustrated.
"“It’s hard to say one way or the other. For one, I don’t want to feel like I am committed to one way or the other. If you say you’re coming back, people start talking and if you say you are retiring, they hold you to that. So I would rather just leave it open and then after the season relax a little bit, unwind and see where your mind takes you. I just want my mind to take me one way or the either at the end of the season. I’ll know it, whenever that time comes to make that decision and figure it out, in my heart I’ll know it.” Woodson said via MMQB."
Woodson has been consistent on waiting til season’s end for a decision.
Nonetheless, the all-time great defensive back already began preparing for life after football. He operates his own winery and tasting room called Twentyfour Wines.
Is Woodson ready to trade the life of contact for full-time wine duties?
His career accomplishments include 65 interceptions (top-five all-time) 20 career sacks, and 28 forced fumbles. Woodson is one of a few players to register that stat line.
He also has multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl Honors. Plus, a Heisman Trophy and Defensive Player of the year award.
Currently, Woodson grades out by Pro Football Focus as one of the Raiders best defenders with a 8.6 accumulative grade. Not to mention, Woodson continues battling injuries to both shoulders but he still played the second most snaps on the entire defense.
Clearly, Woodson is still a capable player at age 39. However, his contract expires after the season.
The Raiders seem to be a team headed in the right direction. They have been relevant in the AFC Playoff picture for the first time in years.
Woodson’s performance deserves a lot of credit. Not only is he a team leader, but Woodson is one of the defensive groups few consistent playmakers. Hence, Woodson earned another contract if he wants to continue playing.
Development of young key players like Khalil Mack, Amari Cooper and Derek Carr could entice Woodson to stay for more shot at the postseason, in 2016.
Therefore, will the Raiders ink Woodson for one more year? Or will Woodson move-on from the NFL?
Do your best to predict the future in the poll below.