Jul 28, 2014; Napa, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders safety Charles Woodson (24) stretches at training camp at Napa Valley Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oakland Raiders defensive back Charles Woodson made himself one of the greatest secondary talents of all time as mostly a cornerback with the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers following his Heisman winning career at Michigan. Growing from one of football’s most exciting athletic talents on defense in Oakland to one of the games most respected players with the Packers, eventually winning a Super Bowl while in Green Bay.
Entering the bulk of his 30’s, Woodson made a move that many veteran cornerbacks are unwilling to do to extend their careers by switching roles from cornerback to safety in order to continue his status as a productive starter on NFL defenses. Despite playing the position for a few seasons now, Woodson recently admitted that he hasn’t been comfortable playing from the back of the defense as opposed to on the flanks as a corner. Having to see the whole field, Woodson is admitting that even at the age of 37 he is still growing as a player trying to get comfortable with having to deal with the differences in angles and position from cornerback to safety.
From ProFootballTalk:
"“When I moved to safety a couple of years ago, I was really playing the position as an athlete,” Woodson told FOX Sports’ Alex Marvez and Gil Brandt on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “I was just going back there and doing it because I can play football and for the most part put myself in the right position. But what [Raiders assistant] Marcus [Robertson] is doing is molding me into a safety and allowing me to see the game from the middle of the field and understanding angles from that position."
Robertson, who played in the NFL with the Titans has been forced into having to coach a player who the assistant respects as one of the greatest of all time. Something that Robertson admits was difficult to get past at first. After getting past Woodson’s accomplishments and knowledge and getting down to coaching, Robertson mentioned that Woodson has embraced getting guidance at learning something new in his attempt to lock down the safety position despite being at retirement age for most players.
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“The one thing about him is the guy wants to learn,” said Robertson, the former Titans safety. “He’s eating it up and working on it. And he’s been extremely coachable.” “It’s a beautiful thing. He’s going to have a big year.”
Woodson is extremely motivated to guide the Oakland Raiders to the playoffs before he retires from the game, looking for a fitting end to a career that Woodson began in the Silver and Black during the greatest Oakland success in the early 00’s. Learning a new position may be another factor in continuing Woodson’s interest in the game as well as his productivity, the hard hitting defensive back who still has wheels even at 37 has been revived at safety. Finally feeling comfortable in the role, Woodson has more than enough gas in the tank to cruise through another NFL season.