Charles Woodson Delivers Inspirational Speech Before Final Home Game of Career

The Oakland Raiders needed to work overtime Thursday night, but they got a win for safety Charles Woodson in his final career home game and a victory in what could well have been the team’s final game ever in Oakland.

OAKLAND, Calif. – This game did not do justice to Charles Woodson’s legacy or that of the Oakland Raiders’ time in the city.

As has become so familiar with Woodson, the 18-year-veteran broke the huddle by letting his teammates know that they don’t need to win the game for him, but to win the game for the team and themselves.

“I wanted to be with my family, but this could be it”, she said. “The little things he does, it makes me take my game farther”.

“Can you hear me?”

“But that’s the way it goes sometimes”. With Amari Cooper going over 1,000 yards receiving Sunday, the Raiders have a 1,000-yard rusher and receiver in the same season for the first time since 2005 (LaMont Jordan and Randy Moss).

“You welcomed me back with open arms as if I never left”, Woodson told the still packed house.

The Raiders won despite 15 penalties, including five on their overtime drive, and being held to one first down of the second half on a 3-yard touchdown drive. Oakland got the ball to start the fifth period. On third-and-10 from the Raiders 45, Rivers threw incomplete to Inman, but cornerback DJ Hayden was flagged for interference, giving San Diego a first down at the 30. Latavius Murray capped the nine-play, 77-yard possession with a 22-yard touchdown run. Nonetheless head coach Jack Del Rio honored Woodson even within the name of the play they ran unsuccessfully Del Rio stated they have been awaiting alternative to run play for Woodson on offense. “He’s a great Raider”. If this ends up as the last game in Oakland, it will mark the end of an era. “I just continue to coach football and have our guys as prepared as possible”.

Next up was Smith, who reached from behind and knocked the ball loose from tight end David Johnson after a 4-yard gain.

“I just stayed on the ball and had a feeling where it was going to go”, Roberts said. “Doesn’t make it any easier losing another one like that”. Crabtree has been making extremely few plays the past six weeks.

Roberts left Sunday’s game with an abdominal strain and also sat out a bunch of plays Thursday. Woodson got a loud ovation as he was introduced last with the defensive starters and was the only Oakland captain for the pregame coin toss. Nothing is official yet, but the Raiders, Chargers and Rams are all expected to apply next month for the right to relocate to the Los Angeles area.

The defense delivered throughout another night in which the Raiders offense struggled.

The sloppy play continued in the fourth quarter when San Diego was called for unsportsmanlike conduct after an incomplete pass on third down.

That forced a 53-yard field goal that Josh Lambo made.

“I can’t end my career with negative three yards”, Woodson joked.

Rivers completed 31 of 49 passes for 277 yards and one touchdown.

-CB Jason Verrett (hamstring) was injured in the second quarter Thursday night against Oakland and did not return to the game.