Oakland Raiders safety Charles Woodson is preparing for the final games of his NFL career, but the veteran’s role might include a little bit of what made him so special at the University of Michigan.
Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle notes Woodson has teased the coaching staff about playing some receiver, and offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said that might become a reality.
“That’s been in discussions ever since we started this season. We may have something up our sleeve. It might be the right time to do it.”
Woodson, the fourth overall pick of the 1998 NFL draft, has only caught two passes during his professional career. While at Michigan, though, he caught 21 passes for 370 yards and three touchdowns while starring as a defensive back. Woodson won the 1997 Heisman Trophy.
Additionally — though neither Musgrave nor anyone else on the Raiders suggested it — Woodson also returned kicks in college. Perhaps he’ll get one final try in 2015.
Since Oakland is officially eliminated from playoff contention, there’s really no glaring negative to digging into the depths of the playbook. At worst, the screen pass doesn’t result in a big gain or Woodson can’t create separation on his route, but he adds another memory.
Woodson’s career is coming to a close. Giving the 39-year-old an opportunity to simply enjoy his final NFL games would be a tremendous sendoff for the future Hall of Famer.