Charles Woodson rejoins the Silver & Black

Originally published on SBReport.net on May 21, 2013

Looks like Raider Nation and Reggie McKenzie were able to lure defensive back Charles Woodson to come back to Oakland on a one-year deal, the Raiders announced Tuesday.

Fans of the Silver & Black caught wind that Woodson was coming to Alameda at the Raiders headquarters for his visit and the Nation quickly assembled a rally to be there waiting for him in the parking lot.

According to Vic Tafur of SFGate.com, about 100 Raiders fans met in the parking lot starting at about 10:00 a.m. and stayed all day waiting to hear the good news. Other Raiders players leaving the Raiders OTA practice stopped on their way out of to take pictures and show their appreciation of the fan support. Fullback Marcel Reece and defensive end Lamarr Houston stopped to sign autographs and take pictures with the fans. Meanwhile, quarterback Terrelle Pryor brought out waters for the dedicated fans, according to Tafur.

The signing marks the return of the standout cornerback that began his career wearing the Silver & Black. Woodson was originally drafted by the late Al Davis in the first round of the 1998 draft out of Michigan and played for the Raiders for eight seasons.

Woodson played in 106 games and racked up 456 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 14 forced fumbles, 17 interceptions, two touchdowns and 83 passes defensed while making the Pro Bowl his first four years in his first stint with the Raiders (1998 - 2005).

Woodson left the Raiders as a free agent and joined the Green Bay Packers in 2006 where he has played ever since, where McKenzie served prior to being named the Raiders new general manager last season.

Details of the contract have not been released but it has been reported that the other team lobbying him was the Denver Broncos. Woodson originally stated he wanted to play for a contender, but then broadened his search and seems to have enjoyed the idea of going back to where he began his stellar career.

In his 16 years in the NFL, Woodson has tallied 921 tackles, 17.0 sacks, 29 forced fumbles, 55 interceptions and 11 touchdowns. It remains to be seen how the Raiders will utilize him, but Woodson played as a free safety for the Packers last season and could fit in well at that position with the departure of Michael Huff.

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