Raiders safety Charles Woodson will retire at the end of the 2015 season, he announced to the media Monday evening.
In his 18th season in the NFL, Woodson is in his second tour of duty with the Raiders, the team that drafted him fourth overall in the 1998 NFL Draft.
In 14 games this season, Woodson has 52 total tackles, five interceptions, nine pass defenses and four fumble recoveries.
Speaking to the media Monday evening, Woodson described the day as emotional.
"It's important to let Raider Nation know now," Woodson said.
The Raiders host the Chargers Thursday night in their final home game of the season.
Woodson said he knew it was time to call it a career prior to the Raiders' game against the Lions on Nov. 22.
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During his career, Woodson was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1998, AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2009, made eight Pro Bowl teams, was a three-time All-Pro (1999, 2009, 2011) and won a Super Bowl with the Packers in 2010.
Woodson is the the only player in NFL history with 50+ interceptions and 20+ sacks in his career. Through Sunday's game against the Packers, Woodson has 65 career interceptions and 20 career sacks.
After spending the first eight years of his career with the Raiders, Woodson left for Green Bay, where he spent seven seasons. Prior to the 2013 season, Woodson returned to Oakland, where he will finish out his career.
