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Charles Woodson to retire after 18th season

Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (89) catches a touchdown pass next to Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Kang) Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (89) catches a touchdown pass next to Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Kang)

By Associated Press December 21, 2015 1 min read

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) – Oakland Raiders safety Charles Woodson is retiring after 18 seasons.

Woodson announced Monday that he will end his career after the final two games of this season. Woodson says he realized late last month that he couldn’t play another season and wanted to announce his decision before playing his final home game Thursday night against San Diego.

Woodson is one of the top defensive backs to play the game. He is tied for fifth in NFL history with 65 interceptions and is still playing at a high level at age 39. He has five interceptions and three fumble recoveries this season, ranking second in the NFL with eight takeaways.

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