Charles Woodson want to return with Raiders in 2014

Charles Woodson isn’t ready to retire despite his advancing age. He said recently that he would like to play in 2014, preferably with the Raiders.

by Louis Bien

Dec 13, 2013, 4:04 PM UTC

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Woodson is set to become a free agent after the 2013 season, and at 37 years old he has moved well into NFL retirement territory. He isn't ready to quit, however. Woodson told KGMZ-FM radio in the Bay Area that he wants to play in 2014, preferably for another season with the Oakland Raiders. Via CSN Bay Area:

“I want to play again,” Woodson said. “I think this is the only place that I would play. I do plan on coming back and playing for the Raiders. If that didn’t happen, then I think I would have to decide if I want to go somewhere else for another year. If I’m wanted here, I’m coming back.”

Woodson signed a one-year contract with the Raiders after being released by the Green Bay Packers during the offseason, returning to the team that drafted him No. 4 overall after his 1997 Heisman Trophy season at Michigan. Woodson's tenure in Oakland began with four straight Pro Bowl appearances, but ended with constant injury issues and friction with coaches. He signed with Green Bay in 2006 and went on to earn NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2009.

Woodson has enjoyed an outpouring of support from fans since returning to Oakland.

“I’ve just been enjoying my time back here,” Woodson said. “Regardless of what our record is right now, it’s been great to put on the silver and black and play at the Coliseum. The fans and the love they’ve shown has been great. All I want to do is win and win for the fans.”

Woodson has admittedly slowed a step or two since his first days in Oakland and his best days in Green Bay, but he has been an effective player with the Raiders at safety this season. He has three forced fumbles, an interception and a sack to go with 76 total tackles through 13 games. In Week 5, he was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after returning a fumble for his 13th career defensive touchdown, tying Rod Woodson and Darren Sharper for the most in NFL history.