Charles Woodson Joins ESPN as NFL Analyst

Retired NFL superstar Charles Woodson will be joining ESPN as an analyst on the network's Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown shows, along with appearing on several other programs as well, according to a press release from the company, via Bill Hofheimer of ESPN Media Zone.

“I would like to thank ESPN for this incredible opportunity to join their Sunday and Monday Night Countdown shows," Woodson said, per Hofheimer. "I look forward to carrying on their strong tradition and gaining the respect of those who came before me and those who will follow me. I’m extremely honored and can’t wait to get started.”  

In his final season, Woodson, 39, registered 74 tackles, five interceptions, three fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. He closed his 18-year career between the Oakland Raiders (1998-05, 2013-15) and Green Bay Packers (2006-12) with 1,204 tackles, 65 interceptions, 33 forced fumbles, 20 sacks, 16 fumble recoveries and 13 defensive touchdowns.

Woodson, who also won a Heisman Trophy during his college days at Michigan, was a nine-time Pro Bowler, a three-time Associated Press first-team All-NFL selection, the 1998 Defensive Rookie of the Year and the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year. 

He reached two Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl XLV with the Packers. 

Woodson was a talented and versatile player, spending time as both a cornerback and safety in the NFL. His intelligence and leadership were qualities that helped extend his career well through his 30s, giving him longevity most non-quarterbacks don't have in the NFL. He's a first-ballot Hall of Famer and should transition nicely into broadcasting.

"Excellent, excellent hire," Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman tweeted when reports of Woodson's hire at ESPN first surfaced.

Woodson will join a collection of former coaches and players-turned-analysts in ESPN's coverage, including Tom Jackson, Mike Ditka, Cris Carter, Steve Young and Ray Lewis, among others.

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