Charles Woodson’s “A Football Life” Was Perfect

The story of Charles Woodson, as told by the NFL Network on “A Football Life”.

Charles Woodson — a football legend and a beloved fan favorite of Raider Nation, had his story told via NFL Network’s “A Football Life” docu-series.

If you haven’t watched the episode, and have the intention of doing so, I wouldn’t recommend reading further.

Woodson’s feet were growing inward as a a child, and he had to wear special shoes to make sure this would not be an issue for him as an adult. And like any loving brother or sister would do, Charles’ siblings would slide him around the house in his special shoes.

The funniest part about the entire episode that was Charles Woodson — one of the most fearless and most fierce competitors the NFL has ever had — was nicknamed “Poochie” by his Mother when he was a kid, because he liked to sing along to the song on TV. Poochie was a girls dog toy/stuffed animal, and Woodson actually had one with him during the segment.

But funny nicknames aside, Woodson credits his Mother, Georgia, for molding him into the man he is today. Charles’ father when he was just 4 years old, leaving Georgia as a single mother to raise three kids.

"“You want to talk about toughness, and where I get it from, and why I am how I am. It’s because of Georgia Woodson.”"

With his feet no longer crooked, Woodson’s rise to football prominence began in High School, where he once scored 7 touchdowns in a single game. After a decorated career at Fremont Ross High School, he was named Ohio’s Mr. Football in 1994. In his acceptance speech, looking maybe 10 or 15 years younger than he does today, Charles had jokes.

"“A lot of you guys that grew up with me, watched me play football, basketball, whatever, probably feel like I’m a pretty good athlete.” Woodson paused. “Why did you give me a ‘C’ in gym class?”"

That, of course, drew a roar of laughter.

But not too long after that, Woodson caused uproars of a different kind, committing to play football not at the school everyone expected, Ohio State, but instead, for their biggest rival — the Michigan Wolverines.

Mr. Football in Ohio did the unthinkable. And the best way for him to explain his decision was by referring to the meaning of one of his many tattoo’s.

"“A lion isn’t supposed to be tamed.” Woodson explained the meaning of his tattoo, “What does that mean? That means don’t try to put me in a box because I ain’t going.”"

Considering the career Woodson put together while at Michigan, it’s impossible to argue that he made the wrong decision.

Just 11 games into his college career, Woodson was well on his way to becoming the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. In game number 12, against a Buckeyes team many thought he would play for — Ohio State was driving with a chance to tie the game in the 4th quarter, and Woodson made an incredible interception to clinch the win.

In his sophomore season at Michigan, Woodson become a game-changer. Asked to contribute on offense, Charles’ impact on games increased ten-fold. And in his Junior season, he took his game to another level.

Woodson scored touchdowns as a punt returner, as a running back, as a wide receiver, while also recording 7 interceptions and maintaining his role as a primarily defensive player. His spectacular play earned him an invitation to New York City as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, alongside the favorite, Peyton Manning, Randy Moss, and Ryan Leaf.

The award was Peyton’s to lose, largely because in the history of the award, no defensive player had ever been declared the winner. But with 65% of the first place votes, Woodson made history.

A short time later, Woodson’s interception in the end zone would help clinch Michigan’s first National Championship since 1997 — a 21-16 victory over Leaf’s Washington State Cougars.

A highly successful collegiate career doesn’t guarantee greatness — ask Ryan Leaf — but as the 4th overall pick by the Oakland Raiders in the 1998 NFL Draft, that would be the expectation. An expectation Woodson delivered on, and then some.

"“I didn’t choose football. Football chose me.”"

In his rookie season, Woodson intercepted 5 passes — including one he returned for a touchdown — forced 2 fumbles, and was third on the team in tackles, with 61. His play earned him the NFL’s Rookie of the Year award.

But Woodson’s early success was mostly thanks to raw talent and pure instinct. He would be late to meetings, and in the meetings he did attend, he’d often fall asleep. His work ethic was spotty at best, and it caused some issues with Jon Gruden.

In regard to the play none of us want to re-live — you know which one I’m talking about. Woodson made a hell of a play that should have sent the Raiders to the Super Bowl. As the referees were reviewing the call on the field, concern grew.

"“I think we are about to get screwed.”"

The rest is history. The Patriots would go on to the win the Super Bowl, while Woodson (correctly) refers to this incident:

"“That is the worst call in the history of all sports.”"

Woodson said that Tom and him and never talked about that play. But one day, he half-jokingly said he’ll get Brady to admit the truth.

The rest of Woodson’s career in Oakland was hardly glamorous. Declining play, off the field trouble which culminated in a DUI arrest, injuries, and a negatively growing reputation for having a bad attitude.

After 8 seasons as a Raider, Al Davis declined to use the franchise tag on Woodson, allowing him to be a free agent. Woodson made a startling confession on the documentary, admitting that he actually was considering retirement. Woodson, of course, continued his career, but the age of 29, the presumption was that his best days were behind him.

Woodson reluctantly signed with the Green Bay Packers, going as far to admit that he did not want to be there, and that he was looking for a way out. And it nearly happened, due to an argument with a coach.

But Charles quickly got settled in Green Bay. He registered 28 interceptions in his first four seasons as a Packer — 11 more than than he did during his eight seasons in Oakland. In 2009, at the age of 34, Woodson won the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award. He had 9 interceptions, 3 of which he returned for a touchdown — while also forcing 4 fumbles.

It was in Green Bay that Woodson matured and developed into a leader. He gave the pre-game hype speeches, he became a mentor for the younger players on the team, and he became the heart and soul of that locker room.

The Packers were in the Super Bowl against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010, having defeated the Chicago Bears in order to get there. President Obama made a comment that if his favorite team wasn’t in it (the Bears), he had no interest in going to watch the game.

So Charles being Charles, of course, had something to say about that.

"“If the President doesn’t want to come watch us in the Super Bowl, guess what? We’ll go see him.”"

But when he finally got back to the big game, Charles broke his collarbone before halftime. As a Raiders fan, watching that game, I was sick to my stomach. I could care less about the Packers, but I badly wanted Charles to hoist that Lombardi trophy.

Woodson gave an emotional speech during halftime, that Aaron Rodgers briefly touched on. The Packers would go on to win that game, and Charles was finally a Super Bowl champion.

At the White House, Woodson earned a much needed shoutout from the President.

"“I’ve now learned something that every NFL quarterback already knows too well. Don’t mess with Charles Woodson.”"

At the age of 37, Woodson was back where his NFL career started. With the Oakland Raiders.

"“I would never in a million years, thought that I would be going back to Oakland.”"

Woodson was blown away with the welcoming party of Raiders fans when he arrived back at the team’s facility. He described the feeling of being welcomed back by Raider Nation as something he wishes everybody in the world could feel how he felt at the moment.

Khalil Mack said that having Charles Woodson in the huddle was “surreal”, and that Woodson was “walking greatness”.

The young team jokingly referred to Woodson as “Uncle”, “Big Brother” or simply as “Old Man” at every opportunity. But that old man found the fountain of youth, and never missed a start for the rest of his career.

Woodson had 4 interceptions in 2014, at the end of 38. And at the young age of 39, he picked off 5 passes.

In his second stint with the Silver & Black, Woodson became the only player in NFL history to record 65 interceptions and 20 sacks. He also intercepted Peyton Manning for the first time in his career — and he actually ended up doing it twice.

Woodson’s final years in Oakland were filled with jaw-dropping moments and acrobatic interceptions. He would throw up “The O” to celebrate, as a nod to the city of Oakland. He’d walk up and down the sideline, chanting “RRRRAAAIIIIDDDEEERRRS!” like he had season tickets in the Black Hole.

It was like he never left.

Woodson delivered an emotional speech after the final home game of his career, in front of an Oakland crowd.

As the Raiders stand at 10-3, it’s bittersweet that Woodson can’t be apart of what is happening. But hey, you never know.

Jokes aside, this episode of “A Football Life” was a fitting tribute and a great story for one of the game’s great players.

It was the story of the toddler who was born with club feet and had to wear corrective shoes as a result, who would go on to be one of the best NFL players of his generation.

The kid from Ohio — Mr. Football in High School — who went on to attend Michigan.

The cornerback who became the first — and still the only — primary defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy.

The brash, talented rookie who would fall asleep in team meetings, who would become one of the best examples of a leadership the NFL has ever seen.

The player who many thought was to be past his prime, who won the Defensive Player of the Year award at the age of 34.

And the player who at the age of 39, continued to defy father time, giving everything he had to the team that drafted him.

So thank you, Charles Woodson.

Next stop — Canton, where it all comes full circle for the kid from Ohio.

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