Charles Woodson is playing his final home game on Thursday against the Chargers, and while his team cannot make the playoffs, they can do something special to honor his monumental legacy.
During his Heisman Trophy season at the University of Michigan, Woodson was a defensive stalwart that dabbled on offense, racking up more than 300 receiving yards and three touchdowns in Maize and Blue. He caught two balls as a professional, but hasn't tallied a stat on offense in the NFL since 2000.
That could change on Thursday Night Football, which is exclusively on NFL Network.
"I don't know if (he will)," Raiders offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said. "That's been in discussions since we started the season. We may have something up our sleeve. It might be the right time to do it."
Of course it is the right time to do it.
Woodson's unprecedented 18-year career in the NFL will finish at the end of this season and Woodson will eventually waltz into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He will set a bar for longevity in a modern era known for its quick turnstiles. He will set a bar for class in a modern era known more for its brand building. He will set a bar for technical style in an era of poor form.
In his final home game, can we please also let him show the receivers of today how its done?
As CSN Bay Area points out, Woodson could be the oldest player in NFL history to return a punt if that is how the Raiders decide to honor his legacy as well. It would be more appropriate considering Woodson's special teams prowess throughout his career. Woodson returned a punt last year but has not done so on a regular basis since the 2006-07 seasons in Green Bay.
There is a tendency for coaches to get caught up in a game and miss out on the opportunity to do something like this, which is why we're glad reporters are bringing it up early in the week. Coaches like Bill Belichick and Rex Ryan have always been great examples of leaders who know how to subtly honor the game and its best during games and hopefully Jack Del Rio can follow suit. Charles Woodson doesn't deserve to go out like everyone else.
