Raiders’ Woodson says he’ll retire at end of season

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Safety Charles Woodson informed Oakland Raiders management as well as his teammates the day after Sunday's game against Green Bay that he would retire after his 18th season.

"I've had an incredible career," Woodson said. "It goes beyond words. I never intended on playing as long as I have, but this is the way it's happened and I'm grateful for it."

Woodson said he has known since waking up for a Nov. 22 road game in Detroit that he would hang it up.

"I woke up that morning and for whatever reason," Woodson said. "I knew it. It was weird, actually. But I knew it at that point in time that this was going to be it."

General manager Reggie McKenzie signed Woodson with the Raiders, and McKenzie was with the Packers when they signed Woodson for the 2006 season.

"Charles Woodson is one of those players that comes along and reminds you of why you love the game," McKenzie said. "He is truly a one of a kind player that goes above and beyond the Heisman Trophy and future gold jacket.

"It has been an honor to have worked alongside Charles for so many years and have the confidence to call him what he truly is GOAT (Greatest of All Time). He is without a doubt, the embodiment of what it means to be a Raider."

Woodson, 39, has 65 career interceptions. He has been named to the Pro Bowl eight times, and was a first-team All-Pro selection three times.

He began his career with Oakland in 1998 after being the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft that year.